NASA and SpaceX have officially announced that they are standing down from the scheduled Crew-10 mission set for launch on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The decision comes due to a hydraulic ground issue that affects the Falcon 9 rocket being launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The Falcon 9 was intended to carry a four-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS) and facilitate the return of two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded at the ISS for several months after facing delays in their original return plan.

According to reports, the postponement was caused by a problem with the hydraulic systems associated with the rocket’s transporter-erector. This structure is essential for moving the Falcon 9 to the launch pad and securely supporting it pre-launch. NASA officials noted that there were no technical problems with the Falcon 9 or its Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance.

SpaceX indicated that their engineers were addressing the hydraulic issue but did not confirm when the upcoming launch attempts might take place. While another launch window is available on Thursday, March 13, it remains uncertain if the necessary repairs will be completed in time.

In their own words, Crew-10 commander Anne McClain remarked, ‘Great working with you today,’ as she expressed her appreciation to the launch control team after the scrub. The mission is being closely followed, with updates being provided on NASA’s mission blog and social media channels.

As the situation unfolds, the anticipation builds for Williams and Wilmore’s return, as they have been at the ISS for over nine months, actively participating in ongoing experiments and maintenance activities during their extended stay. They arrived at the ISS in June 2024 during a different mission and had expected a brief stay that turned into an extended experience due to mechanical failures of their original spacecraft.

NASA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further information about the next launch opportunities as they become available.