SpaceX Launch Delayed as Supportive Messages Surface for Stranded Astronauts

On Wednesday, SpaceX and NASA announced the postponement of the Crew-10 rocket launch to the International Space Station (ISS). The delay resulted from a hydraulic issue detected in one of the ground systems, as revealed during a live broadcast by officials.

The next opportunity for the launch will arise on Thursday at 7:25 p.m., offering a glimmer of hope for the anticipated mission.

Ahead of the launch, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared a heartfelt message, backing NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10. His remarks emphasized the significant involvement of the U.S. military in this space mission.

In a video posted on social media platform X, Hegseth expressed, “I just want to take a brief moment to say we are praying for you. We wish you Godspeed, and we look forward to welcoming you all home soon.”

NASA’s Crew-10 is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center at 7:48 p.m. The mission features a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket tasked with transporting a crew of four to the ISS for a six-month stay. Notably, this mission marks the impending return of astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Suni Williams.

Hegseth further noted, “President Trump said to Elon Musk, ‘get the astronauts home and do it now’ – and they’re responding.” He highlighted the return of NASA astronauts, including retired U.S. Navy Captains Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

The American astronauts have been residing on the ISS for nearly nine months, having first arrived in June of the previous year. Initially expected to remain for only about a week, their mission was unexpectedly prolonged.

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft originally ferried the astronauts from Earth to the ISS. Unfortunately, it returned safely to Earth in September without crew members due to complications involving helium leaks and concerns about the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters during its docking with the ISS.

Meanwhile, NASA astronauts have expressed their gratitude for the extended time spent in space, countering any fretting about their prolonged mission.

“Now, the Department of Defense is also proud to have multiple branches and two active-duty U.S. military officers represented in the mission that’s kicking off tonight between NASA and SpaceX. This includes U.S. Army Colonel Anne McClain and U.S. Air Force Major Nichole Ayers,” Hegseth continued. “So this is Army, Air Force, and Navy tonight.”

In addition to the American astronauts, Crew-10 comprises an astronaut from Japan and one from Russia, reflecting multinational cooperation in space exploration.

Today’s launch comes in the wake of President Trump motivating SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite the rescue of the astronauts stranded on the ISS, a situation Trump characterized as one where former President Joe Biden had “abandoned” them.

Musk affirmed earlier this week, during an interview, that the team is committed to ensuring the astronauts’ safe return, stating, “We’re gonna get ’em back.”

As preparations for the Crew-10 mission proceed, NASA announced a planned transition period prior to the return of Wilmore and Williams to Earth, which could occur as soon as Sunday.

In a recent message to the astronauts, Trump reiterated his support by stating, “Elon [Musk] is right now preparing a ship to go up and get them. We love you, and we’re coming up to get you, and you shouldn’t have been up there so long.”

The ongoing mission demonstrates the complex dynamics between private and public space exploration efforts, highlighting the crucial role of military personnel and international collaboration. With tensions surrounding astronaut safety and mission success, the communications from political leaders serve as both encouragement and a reminder of the rigorous challenges faced by those in space.

As the launch window approaches, many are keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding Crew-10. The combination of human ingenuity and international partnership continues to inspire as space exploration evolves into a new frontier for cooperation and scientific advancement.

Reported by a Fox Business contributor.