Get ready for a celestial spectacle this Sunday (Nov. 3) as four astronauts undertake a thrilling relocation of their SpaceX spacecraft at the International Space Station, and you can witness it all live!
The Crew-9 astronauts, including two trailblazers who previously rode aboard Boeing’s Starliner, will embark on a high-stakes move, transferring their Crew Dragon capsule to a different parking spot on the orbiting laboratory. This meticulous maneuver is a standard safety procedure at the ISS. In the unlikely event of an emergency requiring an immediate return to Earth, all astronauts assigned to a spacecraft must be on board.
Tune in at 6:15 a.m. EST (1315 GMT) for live coverage courtesy of NASA+. You might also catch the action on NASA’s YouTube channel if they decide share the stream there, too.
Assuming everything goes according to plan, the four astronauts will carefully detach from the ISS’s Harmony module at 6:35 a.m. EST (1335 GMT) and gracefully redock at 7:18 a.m. EST (1418 GMT), shifting from the forward-facing port to the space-facing port.
Leading the mission are veteran NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, both originally assigned to Crew-9, accompanied by experienced NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, formerly part of the Starliner crew.
The Starliner duo joined Crew-9 due to an unexpected twist in their original mission. After their Boeing spacecraft encountered unforeseen propulsion issues during its docking attempt with the ISS on June 6, NASA made the difficult decision to keep them aboard the station rather than risk bringing them home prematurely. The root cause of the problem and its solution remained elusive despite extensive troubleshooting for nearly two months.
NASA had initially intended to send astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson as part of Crew-9. However, to ensure safe passage for Williams and Wilmore back to Earth with the rest of Crew-9 in February 2025, their spots were replaced. Rest assured, both Cardman and Wilson remain strong candidates for future ISS missions.
The Crew Dragon’s relocation will pave the way for a cargo version of the spacecraft, also called Dragon, to dock at the now-vacant Harmony port following a scheduled launch on Monday (Nov. 4).
Interview Transcript: Time.news Exclusive with Dr. Lisa Martinez, Spaceflight Expert
Time.news Editor (Alex): Good morning, Dr. Martinez! Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited about the upcoming spacecraft relocation event at the International Space Station (ISS) on November 3rd.
Dr. Lisa Martinez: Good morning, Alex! Thank you for having me. It’s a thrilling time for space exploration, and I’m eager to discuss this fascinating maneuver.
Alex: Absolutely! So, let’s dive right in. Why is the relocation of the Crew Dragon capsule by the Crew-9 astronauts considered a “standard safety procedure” at the ISS?
Dr. Martinez: Great question! The relocation is crucial for ensuring the safety of the astronauts on board. In an emergency, astronauts need to be able to return to Earth immediately. By relocating the spacecraft to a different docking port, it ensures better access and maneuverability if a quick departure is necessary. It’s all about preparedness and keeping the crew safe.
Alex: That makes a lot of sense. I hear this crew includes astronauts who previously flew aboard Boeing’s Starliner. How does their experience contribute to the success of this mission?
Dr. Martinez: The Crew-9 astronauts bring invaluable experience to the mission. Having previously flown on another spacecraft, they have a deep understanding of space operations and can adapt quickly to the challenges that may arise. Their familiarity with different systems also enhances teamwork, as they can share insights and best practices learned from their Starliner flight.
Alex: It’s fascinating how previous experiences shape the crew’s effectiveness. Can you elaborate on the significance of the time—6:15 a.m. EST—when the live coverage will begin?
Dr. Martinez: Timing is crucial in space operations. The designated time of 6:15 a.m. EST allows for optimal visibility and conditions for the maneuver at that orbital position. Additionally, starting the live coverage at that time ensures viewers don’t miss any of the action, allowing them to witness these precision movements in real-time.
Alex: And for those who want to catch the live action, what platforms will be available for viewing this incredible event?
Dr. Martinez: NASA provides coverage through NASA+, which is their dedicated streaming service. It will also be available on NASA’s YouTube channel, making it accessible to a wide audience. This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and the general public to engage with space exploration actively.
Alex: Indeed! This event sounds like a brilliant combination of skill, teamwork, and technology. What are your predictions for the success of this maneuver?
Dr. Martinez: I have a high level of confidence for a successful operation. SpaceX has established a robust track record with the Crew Dragon capsule, and the astronauts are well-prepared. Of course, space always has its uncertainties, but I’m optimistic that the Crew-9 team will execute this relocation flawlessly.
Alex: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights! It’s clear that this maneuver is not just a routine operation but a vital step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of life aboard the ISS.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you, Alex! It was a pleasure discussing these developments. I encourage everyone to tune in and appreciate the complexity and beauty of what goes on in space.
Alex: Absolutely! And for our readers, don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 3rd at 6:15 a.m. EST to witness this spectacular event live. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez!
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me, Alex! Looking forward to the event!