The NASA SpaceX Crew-10 mission has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), carrying four astronauts on a critical mission that has captured the world’s attention. This historic flight isn't just about exploration—it's about rescue. After nearly 10 months stranded in orbit, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set to return home.

👉 But why were they stranded? And what happens next? Read on for LIVE updates, surprising facts, and what this means for the future of space travel.

🚀 Mission Success! Crew-10 Safely Docks with ISS

At 10 AM ET today, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft smoothly docked with the ISS after a 28-hour journey from Earth. Aboard were four astronauts representing three space agencies:

• Anne McClain (NASA)
• Nichole Ayers (NASA)
• Takuya Onishi (JAXA - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
• Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos - Russia)

Their mission? Conduct groundbreaking experiments and bring Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth after their Boeing Starliner malfunction left them in orbit since June 2024.

🗓️ Key Highlights: Crew-10 Space Docking Live Updates

📅 March 16, 2025
✅ 1:35 AM ET (11:05 AM IST): Hatch opens! Crew-10 members step into the space station, greeted by hugs and smiles from Expedition 72 and Crew-9 astronauts.
✅ 12:21 PM IST: Meet NASA Flight Director Allison Bolinger, the woman who led the complex docking operations.
✅ 11:50 AM IST: Stunning video footage shows Crew Dragon gracefully approaching the ISS.
✅ 11:26 AM IST: Sunita Williams thanks Houston: "Great to see our friends arrive!"
✅ 11:18 AM IST: Anne McClain reflects on the journey: "You cannot be great without the greatness of others."

🧑‍🚀 Who’s On Board Crew-10?

Anne McClain (NASA)

• Commander of Crew-10
• US Army Colonel and experienced astronaut
• Previously spent 204 days in space during Expeditions 58/59

Nichole Ayers (NASA)

• Spaceflight rookie
• Former fighter pilot turned astronaut

Takuya Onishi (JAXA)

• Japan’s veteran astronaut
• Operated the ISS robotic arm to capture cargo spacecraft in 2016

Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos)

• Russia’s latest addition to ISS operations
• First long-duration mission aboard the ISS

Why Were Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Stranded?

The duo launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 on what was supposed to be a 10-day mission. But during docking, thruster malfunctions forced NASA and Boeing to abort the return flight. After months of safety investigations, the Starliner was deemed too risky to fly astronauts home.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have now been in space for nearly 10 months, enduring the challenges of extended microgravity exposure—including muscle atrophy and "baby feet."

👣 What’s “Baby Feet”?

After months in space, astronauts lose the tough calluses on their soles. Once back on Earth, simply walking can be painful until their skin thickens again—a condition astronauts jokingly call baby feet.

🔬 What Will Crew-10 Do Aboard the ISS?

During their mission, Crew-10 will:
✅ Conduct flammability tests to improve spacecraft safety
✅ Engage with students on Earth via ham radio
✅ Test a backup lunar navigation system for future Moon missions
✅ Participate in human physiology studies to prepare for deep space exploration

JAXA’s Takuya Onishi: "Excited to be Part of Expedition 72"

Onishi expressed his excitement about joining the station crew, saying:

"It feels incredible to be back in space, working alongside this international team on important missions."

📡 NASA Flight Director Allison Bolinger: The Woman Behind the Docking

Allison Bolinger, who led the Crew-10 docking operations, began as a NASA intern in 2001. Now, she’s a veteran flight director overseeing complex missions that ensure astronaut safety.

🌍 What This Means for the Future of Human Spaceflight

The successful Crew-10 docking and upcoming return of Williams and Wilmore mark a pivotal moment for NASA and SpaceX. It highlights the resilience of astronauts and the collaborative spirit of international space missions. It also raises questions about the future of Boeing’s Starliner program.