NASA Delays SpaceX Launch Amid Politics and Technical Glitches

NASA postponed the SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station due to hydraulic issues, delaying the homecoming of astronauts Wilmore and Williams. The delay has intertwined with political tensions as Trump and Musk have demanded an earlier return for the astronauts, blaming Biden for the postponement.

NASA and SpaceX have delayed a much-anticipated launch of a replacement crew to the International Space Station, postponing the return of U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams after a mission disrupted by Boeing's faulty Starliner.

The launch was called off due to hydraulic system issues with the Falcon 9 rocket's ground support clamp arm, and rescheduled for a later date, according to NASA. The delay has also become politically charged, with former President Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pushing for the astronauts' expedited return, blaming it on President Biden.

Originally intended as a routine rotation, this mission has become a centerpiece of political controversy and technical challenges. Wilmore and Williams—awaiting relief from their extended mission—are deemed too risky to return in the Starliner, emphasizing continuing issues with Boeing's spacecraft development.

(With inputs from agencies.)