NASA SpaceX Rocket Launch: Crew-10 Heads to ISS for Groundbreaking Mission
NASA’s latest milestone in space exploration took place on March 14, 2025, with the successful launch of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The mission took off at 7:03 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the Dragon spacecraft into orbit, transporting four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
Crew-10 Mission Details
The Crew-10 team includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. Their spacecraft is set to autonomously dock with the ISS’s Harmony module at approximately 11:30 p.m. on March 15.
Shortly after docking, the astronauts will join the existing Expedition 72/73 crew aboard the ISS for an extended research mission. This collaboration highlights NASA’s dedication to international partnerships in space exploration.
NASA’s Commitment to Space Innovation
Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro emphasized the significance of the mission, stating, “This launch marks another step forward in advancing American leadership in space. Missions like Crew-10 pave the way for future explorations to the Moon and Mars while supporting scientific research that benefits humanity.”
Throughout the journey, SpaceX will oversee spacecraft operations from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California, while NASA will monitor ISS operations from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Live Coverage and Crew Arrival
NASA’s live broadcast will resume at 9:45 p.m. on March 15, covering the spacecraft’s rendezvous, docking, and hatch opening. After docking, Crew-10 will transition out of their spacesuits, prepare cargo for offloading, and officially join the ISS crew around 1:05 a.m. on March 16. A live-streamed welcome ceremony will follow at 1:40 a.m., introducing the newly arrived astronauts.
With Crew-10’s arrival, the ISS crew will temporarily expand to 11 members, joining astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit, along with cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Alexey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner. Crew-9 will depart the ISS on March 19, pending favorable weather conditions.
Research and Technological Advancements
Crew-10’s mission includes several critical research projects:
- Material Flammability Tests: Essential for designing safer spacecraft and space facilities.
- Lunar Navigation Solutions: Testing backup navigation methods using existing ISS radio hardware.
- Physiological and Psychological Studies: Examining long-term effects of space travel on human health, crucial for future deep-space missions.
- Educational Outreach: Engaging students worldwide through the ISS Ham Radio program.
These experiments will help shape future missions beyond low Earth orbit, aligning with NASA’s Artemis program and other space exploration initiatives.
Meet the Crew
Anne McClain (Commander)
McClain, a seasoned astronaut selected in 2013, embarks on her second mission to the ISS, where she will serve as a flight engineer for Expeditions 72/73. Follow her updates on X.
Nichole Ayers (Pilot)
Ayers, chosen as an astronaut in 2021, makes her debut spaceflight. She will work as a flight engineer on the ISS. Follow her on X and Instagram.
Takuya Onishi (Mission Specialist)
Onishi, on his second ISS mission, continues his role as a flight engineer. Stay updated on his journey via X.
Kirill Peskov (Mission Specialist)
Peskov, making his first spaceflight, will also serve as a flight engineer. His mission contributes to Roscosmos’s continued collaboration with NASA and international space agencies.
The Future of Space Exploration
NASA continues leveraging the ISS for groundbreaking research and technology development. With over 24 years of continuous human presence aboard the space station, these missions enhance scientific knowledge and prepare for future commercial space travel and deep-space exploration.
The Crew-10 mission exemplifies NASA’s ongoing efforts to advance spaceflight, strengthen global partnerships, and lay the foundation for human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Stay updated on the NASA SpaceX Crew-10 mission and the Commercial Crew Program by visiting NASA’s official website.
