Tech Desk 
Sep 28, 2024
Today, September 28, has marked a great day in the exploration of space as SpaceX is set to launch its Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Under its Commercial Crew Program, NASA's ninth crew rotation mission would take NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on a roughly five-month journey.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket would reportedly blast off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:17pm EDT (1717 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-40.
The two astronauts are set to hitch a ride on the Crew Dragon named Freedom to the ISS as they would join astronauts Suni Wouldiams and Butch Wilmore of NASA. The mission, originally scheduled to launch on September 26, was delayed due to Hurricane Helene.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch schedule
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch today, September 28, at 1:17pm EDT (1717 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-40 at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
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The launch-day coverage would begin at 9:10am EDT (1310 GMT), leading up to the liftoff. Following the successful launch, NASA would host a post-launch press conference at 3pm EDT (1900 GMT).
SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew-9 ISS arrival
The Crew-9 mission would reach the ISS on September 29, with docking scheduled for 5:30pm EDT (2130 GMT) and hatch opening at 7:40pm EDT (2340 GMT).
SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew-9 details
Mission details about Crew-9 include the names of astronauts participating; these are NASA's Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Originally, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman and NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson were part of the crew but were pulled to make room for two NASA astronauts returning to Earth with Suni Wouldiams and Butch Wilmore. This is a long stint-five month and the crew would come back in February.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew-9 live coverage
Follow the mission's progress online or directly through NASA's website.
The mission faced unexpected challenges when Boeing's Starliner capsule experienced thruster issues, extending its stay at the ISS.
