SpaceX Crew Docks with ISS: A Historic Rescue Mission for Stranded Astronauts
SpaceX Crew Docks with ISS: A Historic Rescue Mission for Stranded Astronauts Introduction In a groundbreaking mission, SpaceX Crew Dragon successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) to rescue astronauts who had been stranded in space for over nine months . The mission, which captured global attention, highlights the crucial role of private spaceflight in modern space exploration . But how did these astronauts get stuck in space? What challenges did NASA and SpaceX face in bringing them home? Let's dive into this extraordinary story. How Astronauts Got Stranded in Space The Soyuz MS-22 mission , launched by Russia’s Roscosmos , suffered a critical coolant leak in December 2022, rendering the spacecraft unsafe for the return journey. This left two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut without a way back to Earth. With no immediate backup plan, NASA and Roscosmos collaborated to find a solution while ensuring the astronauts' safety onboard the ISS. ...