International Space Mission Delayed: Weather Holds Back SpaceX Launch
The launch of an international crew of four astronauts to the ISS was postponed due to bad weather. The mission is significant due to the involvement of Russian and U.S. officials, marking a rare collaborative moment amid tensions. The mission may introduce a new eight-month duration for ISS stays.
An international crew of four astronauts, slated for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) from Florida, encountered a delay due to adverse weather conditions. This mission drew attention from a rare gathering of senior Russian space officials in town to meet with NASA's acting chief.
The astronauts, comprising two NASA astronauts, a Russian cosmonaut, and a Japanese astronaut, were aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule, ready atop a Falcon 9 rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. However, SpaceX controllers held the countdown due to stormy clouds approaching the launchpad, pushing the liftoff to the following day.
This mission, titled Crew-11, could set a precedent by potentially lasting eight months, aligning with a new mission schedule between the U.S. and Russia. Discussions between Roscosmos leader Dmitry Bakanov and NASA's acting administrator are expected to focus on extending their astronaut seat exchange arrangement and the future disposal of the ISS in 2030.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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