NASA aborts mission to save stranded astronauts

NASA was forced to cancel the launch of a spacecraft just one hour before departure, delaying a crucial mission to the International Space Station (ISS) meant to rescue two astronauts who have been stranded in space for nine months.

Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were originally scheduled to spend just eight days in orbit, but they have been stuck on the ISS since last June due to a malfunction in their spacecraft, preventing them from returning to Earth.

The two astronauts must now wait for the arrival of a replacement crew before they can leave the ISS.

Crew-10, a four-person team, was supposed to launch this Thursday but has now been delayed indefinitely.

"The crew will spend several months aboard the orbiting laboratory conducting spacewalks, research demonstrations and experiments for the benefit of humanity and deep space exploration," NASA said.

(QG - Source : The Independent - Picture : © Unsplash)