NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Successfully Launches Astronauts to ISS
On March 14, 2025, NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 launched at precisely 7:03 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission marks another significant step in NASA's ongoing collaboration with SpaceX, aimed at advancing human space exploration and international collaboration in low Earth orbit.
The mission's crew consists of four remarkable astronauts: Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers from NASA, Takuya Onishi representing JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Kirill Peskov from Roscosmos (the Russian Federal Space Agency). They are on a science expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which will enrich our understanding of various scientific fields and technological advancements that benefit humanity.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket played a crucial role in propelling the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Upon arriving at the ISS, the spacecraft is expected to dock autonomously at the Harmony module around 11:30 p.m. on March 15. Shortly thereafter, the crew will join Expedition 72/73, where they will spend an extended period conducting experiments in the unique laboratory environment that the ISS provides.
NASA's acting Administrator, Janet Petro, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, "This milestone demonstrates NASA's continued commitment to advancing American leadership in space and driving growth in our national space economy." Through partnerships like these, NASA aims to foster innovation, prepare for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, and ensure that space research continues to deliver invaluable benefits across earth.
During the mission, the SpaceX team will be monitoring various automated maneuvers from their control center in Hawthorne, California. Meanwhile, NASA's control center in Houston will oversee operations on the ISS. Viewers can catch the live broadcast of these events starting at 9:45 p.m. on March 15 on NASA's media platforms.
As Crew-10 prepares to integrate into the ISS team, the station's crew size temporarily increases to 11 members, which enhances the potential for collaborative research and experimentation. This influx includes NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit, along with Roscosmos astronauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Alexey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner, all poised for a handover period before Crew-9 returns to Earth after their mission.
Crew-10 will engage in various scientific endeavors during their time aboard the ISS. Planned activities include conducting material flammability experiments, which are critical for developing future spacecraft designs, and participating in educational outreach via the ISS Ham Radio program, linking astronauts with students worldwide. Additionally, the crew will conduct research into the physiological and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight, acquiring insights that will be essential for future deep-space ventures.
The collaborative efforts showcased during the Crew-10 mission exemplify how NASA and its international partners are maximizing the capabilities of the ISS. For over 24 years, this orbiting laboratory has served as a hub for scientific advancement, technology testing, and astronaut training. The research conducted in this unique environment not only benefits people living on Earth but also paves the way for upcoming Artemis missions aimed at further lunar exploration and eventual human settlement on Mars.
As the crew prepares for their challenging adventure, it's worth noting that Commander Anne McClain, a veteran astronaut making her second trip to the ISS, will serve as a role model for aspiring space explorers. Pilot Nichole Ayers and mission specialists Takuya Onishi and Kirill Peskov are equally prepared, each bringing unique expertise and experience to the team. This mission represents not only a step forward for NASA's Commercial Crew Program but also a testament to global cooperation in the realm of space exploration.