Photo credit: arstechnica.com
NASA made headlines on Friday with an announcement regarding its Crew-9 mission, which is scheduled for launch no earlier than September 24 to the International Space Station (ISS). The announcement confirmed astronaut Nick Hague as the mission’s commander, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov as mission specialist. Uniquely, this mission will feature a two-member crew instead of the usual four, a decision driven by the need for the Crew 9 spacecraft, known as Freedom, to act as a rescue vehicle for two other astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS in June aboard Boeing’s Starliner, which has recently been evaluated as unsafe for their return journey.
Wilmore and Williams are set to join Hague and Gorbunov for their return to Earth next February, marking a notable shift in Crew-9’s composition. This change from original plans has significant implications for NASA’s human spaceflight program, especially considering the history behind the initial crew assignments. Earlier this year, the agency had named the original Crew-9 members, which included three NASA astronauts together with Gorbunov, aiming for Zena Cardman to be the first rookie astronaut without test-pilot credentials to command a NASA flight.
Understanding the Transition
This adjustment in crew lineup has raised questions given the early confidence placed in Cardman, a geobiologist and NASA recruit since 2017, who was seen as a promising leader for the mission. Her selection as commander signified NASA’s trust in the autonomous capabilities of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, with Cardman supported by seasoned astronaut Hague as the pilot.
However, the unexpected need to accommodate Wilmore and Williams led to an internal review by the Astronaut Office. Joe Acaba, the new chief of the Astronaut Office, was tasked with revising the crew structure. With the goal of maintaining collaboration with the Russian space program, Gorbunov’s inclusion was essential, creating a need for Acaba to choose either Hague, Cardman, or Stephanie Wilson.
Initially prioritizing Cardman’s command, Acaba faced dissent from parts of the astronaut community. While Cardman had proven herself competent, concerns emerged regarding her being the sole NASA representative aboard the vehicle, especially given the historical challenges astronauts can face, such as space sickness. These discussions highlighted the complexities involved in crew dynamics and safety, leading to a reassessment of mission leadership priorities.
The solution emerged from an evaluation of experience and safety, resulting in Hague taking over as commander. Acaba’s decision was made prior to a Flight Readiness Review held on August 24, though it remained under wraps until the official announcement was made this past Friday.
Official Statements
In a news release issued by NASA, Acaba commented on the challenges of adjusting crew assignments, emphasizing that such changes are not uncommon. “While we’ve changed crew before for a variety of reasons, downsizing crew for this flight was another tough decision to adjust to given that the crew has trained as a crew of four,” he stated. Acaba expressed his confidence in the crew’s preparedness, acknowledging Cardman and Wilson’s ongoing support for the mission ahead of launch.
In a poignant reflection, Cardman shared a note of pride in her crew following the announcement; she also revealed the personal loss of her father, Larry, shortly prior. Her dedication to the mission continues as she looks forward to flying when the opportunity arises, emphasizing the team’s unity and commitment to mission success.
This shift in Crew-9 underscores the fluid nature of space missions and the critical balancing act of safety, leadership, and collaboration amidst changing circumstances.
Source
arstechnica.com