The astronauts were strapped in, the weather was perfect, and everything pointed to a flawless launch. But that’s not how it usually goes in the spaceflight business, and Wednesday evening’s Crew-10 launch attempt was no exception.
NASA and SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was halted on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, due to a hydraulic system issue with ground support equipment at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch, initially set for 7:48 p.m. EDT, was called off approximately 45 minutes before liftoff.
The problem was traced to a malfunction in the hydraulic system of a ground support clamp arm responsible for securing the Falcon 9 rocket prior to launch. This clamp arm is crucial for stabilizing the rocket during pre-launch operations and retracts just before liftoff. SpaceX’s flight director for the mission, Ron Spencer, addressed the crew following the scrub: “Sorry about the unfortunate result today, but we’ll get you back out there real soon.”
The Crew-10 mission comprises four astronauts: Commander Anne McClain (NASA), Pilot Nichole Ayers (NASA), Mission Specialist Takuya Onishi (JAXA), and Mission Specialist Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos). Once aboard the ISS, they are slated for a six-month tenure, during which they will conduct various scientific experiments and technological demonstrations.
The delay directly affects the return plans for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been on the ISS since June 2024. Originally part of Boeing’s Starliner test flight intended to last just over a week, their mission was extended due to technical issues with the Starliner capsule, including thruster problems and helium leaks. NASA subsequently decided to bring the Starliner back uncrewed, opting to return Wilmore and Williams via SpaceX’s Crew-9 capsule. Crew-9 can’t depart the ISS until a few days after the Crew 10 arrival so that the scientific mission can be smoothly handed over to the new crew.
Teams are working to resolve the hydraulic issue, and NASA has set a new launch target of Friday, March 14th, at 7:03 PM. Since intercepting the ISS in its orbit requires pinpoint timing, Friday’s launch attempt will have to go right on time, or it will not go at all that day.
Weather conditions. Friday’s attempt is currently projected to be favorable, with over a 95% chance of acceptable conditions around the launch site. This mission marks the 10th crew rotation under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and SpaceX’s 11th crewed flight to the ISS, including the Demo-2 test flight. The collaboration between NASA and SpaceX remains a key component in maintaining a sustained human presence aboard the ISS and advancing scientific research in space. Further updates on the mission status and any adjustments to the launch schedule will be provided as they become available.
