Hydraulic Hitch: SpaceX's Scrubbed Liftoff Delays Astronaut Homecoming

NASA postponed SpaceX's launch to the ISS due to hydraulic issues, affecting the planned return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Initially delayed by weather, this mission follows political calls for their early return. The crew has been on the ISS following a problematic Boeing Starliner test flight.

On Wednesday, NASA postponed SpaceX's anticipated launch of a replacement crew to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a hydraulic issue with the Falcon 9 rocket's ground support clamp arm. This delay holds back the return of U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who've been at the ISS for nine months.

NASA had aimed to carry a new crew from Florida on a mission pivotal for bringing back Wilmore and Williams, after their prolonged stay following Boeing's Starliner mishaps. Planned for a Friday window, the launch had already seen delays due to high winds and rain forecasts hampering the Dragon craft's trajectory.

While political intervention by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk prompted an acceleration of plans, NASA's strategy involves switching to a soon-ready SpaceX capsule. With new arrivals, the two astronauts can return to Earth, shifting them from an unplanned nine-month mission completing crucial research and maintenance tasks.

(With inputs from agencies.)