SpaceX's huge setback that led to delay in rescue mission of 'stranded astronauts' on the ISS

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket was forcibly delayed right before it was about to take off, preventing the rescue mission from commencing and once again delaying the return of stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS).

Turns out that even when you've got the go-ahead and think that you're ready to complete a long-awaited space launch, things can still go wrong and delay the procedure at the last minute.

Following US President Donald Trump's request for Elon Musk to 'go get' stranded pair Williams and Wilmore from the ISS, the SpaceX CEO has incessantly pushed the blame for delays on the Biden administration.

He indicated that the last government was 'extremely antagonistic' towards his private space company, yet delays continue to push back the return date that those on the International Space Station have been waiting over nine months for.

Although it was supposed to be just an eight day mission, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been 'stranded' upon the ISS since June last year after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced issues.

The Starliner was ordered to return to Earth without passengers, and their retrieval was transferred over to SpaceX, with Musk's company now taking responsibility.

However, issues with their very own Crew-10 mission continued to delay the rescue, and it looks like things still aren't ready to go, despite four astronauts sat in their seats ready for takeoff.

As reported by the Mirror, plans for takeoff at the Kennedy Space Center were scrapped following a problem identified with the launch pad and critical hydraulic system, and a SpaceX commentator indicated that the launch won't go ahead "unless we know we can do so safely and reliably."

Precautions are vitally important just under a week after the company's Starship 8 test launch saw the rocket burst into flames before crashing back down onto Earth.

Following the delay, SpaceX has announced that they are targeting "no earlier than Friday, March 14 for Falcon 9's launch of Dragon's 10th operational human spaceflight mission," with a reserve backup also scheduled for the day after in case there are any further issues.

Crew-10 is go for launch! pic.twitter.com/pGoRLlj6Uv

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 12, 2025

Many on social media are offering wishes of safety and good luck for this second launch attempt, and hopefully it will go off without any issues, letting Crew-10 begin operations and returning Williams and Wilmore from their extended stay.

Unfortunately for the 'stranded' pair, they won't be able to immediately return to normal life as they will be immediately transferred to a medical rehabilitation center where they will undergo physical tests for around six weeks.

This is due to the effect that such a lengthy stay in space has on the body, as even strenuous daily exercise isn't enough to avoid muscle loss, making simple actions like learning to walk again challenging for astronauts.