Launch Delay Details
A critical hydraulic system problem on a launch pad caused to postpone a mission to the (ISS) aimed at replacing 's astronauts and , who have been in orbit for nine months.
The issue was identified less than four hours before the Falcon rocket's scheduled liftoff from NASA's , affecting the hydraulics necessary for the rocket's release from its support structure.
Rescheduling and Context
SpaceX canceled the launch, initially planned for Wednesday, with hopes to reschedule as early as Friday, March 14. The delay occurred with the crew already strapped into their capsule, awaiting final launch confirmation.
The delayed mission is critical for returning Wilmore and Williams to Earth, as they were transferred to SpaceX after Boeing's Starliner capsule faced significant issues during its debut crew flight.