Three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut are finally set to leave the International Space Station after weeks of delays. Their return flight was postponed due to Hurricane Milton and poor weather conditions at the designated splashdown sites off the coast of Florida. The delay was primarily caused by stormy conditions and choppy seas, which could pose risks to the capsule and rescue teams. The astronauts had initially extended their stay in orbit to serve as an emergency lifeboat for astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which experienced issues and returned without a crew. The departing crew spent their time conducting research, scientific experiments, and assisting with visiting spacecraft. They are scheduled to undock in their SpaceX Dragon capsule and splash down off the coast of Florida on Friday. This mission will bring two astronauts back to Earth who have been in space longer than planned due to the Starliner issues. The astronauts who remained on the space station will return in February with the Crew-9 mission. NASA will air live coverage of the undocking process before the crew embarks on their 34-hour journey home.
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NASA astronauts preparing to leave space station following delays caused by weather conditions
