September 30, 2024: The SpaceX Dragon capsule, part of the Crew-9 mission, has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS), marking a pivotal moment for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Initially expected to spend just over a week in space, the duo has been awaiting their return since June due to safety concerns with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

The Crew Dragon capsule launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Saturday, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov. It docked at the ISS around 5:30 PM ET on Sunday. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed the successful docking via Twitter, stating, “Dragon has reached @Space_Station.”

Upon arrival, Williams, who has recently been promoted to commander of the ISS, greeted the new crew with enthusiasm. “I just want to say welcome to our new compadres,” she remarked, as Hague and Gorbunov joined the nine astronauts already on board.

The prolonged stay of Williams and Wilmore was a result of technical issues encountered during the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed test flight, including thruster failures and helium leaks shortly after launch. NASA deemed the spacecraft too risky for their return, prompting the need for the Crew-9 mission.