The SpaceX Crew-9 mission, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, was specifically launched to provide a safe return option for Williams and Wilmore.

SpaceX launched the rescue mission on Saturday with a downsized crew of two astronauts and two empty seats reserved for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will return next year.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are safe aboard the ISS without risk from their extended stay. Their rescue mission is scheduled for February 2025, following a series of technical issues with their Boeing Starliner,