The anticipated return of four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed due to inclement weather conditions. Originally planned for Saturday, the departure of the Crew-6 astronauts has been rescheduled for Sunday due to unfavorable weather near the splashdown sites off the coast of Florida.
In a joint decision made by NASA and SpaceX, the Crew Dragon capsule carrying the astronauts is now expected to undock on Sunday at 7:05 a.m. EDT, with splashdown occurring on Monday at 12:07 a.m. EDT. However, the exact timing of the departure and splashdown is contingent upon the weather conditions at the designated sites.
The Crew-6 astronauts, comprised of NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, have spent six months in space and are wrapping up their expedition to the ISS. Their return has been eagerly anticipated, but safety remains the top priority for NASA and SpaceX.
Speaking about their time in space, Al Neyadi expressed his gratitude towards his fellow crewmates, whom he affectionately referred to as brothers. He acknowledged the bond formed between them as a result of the shared experiences and cherished memories created during their time on the International Space Station.
As the world awaits their safe return, the Crew-6 astronauts continue to inspire and spark curiosity about the future of space exploration. The delay serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space travel and highlights the meticulous planning required to ensure the safety of those on board.