SpaceX Launches Rescue Mission to Bring Stranded ISS Astronauts Home Amid Boeing's Starliner Struggles

SpaceX launched a mission to retrieve two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station after Boeing’s Starliner was deemed unsafe. The mission is due to return in February due to other scheduled missions. Boeing’s issues with Starliner caused significant delays, leading NASA to opt for SpaceX. Hurricane Helene impacted the launch and saw a minor mishap with the rocket’s second stage landing off-target. SpaceX has led NASA’s commercial crew program, surpassing Boeing by successfully delivering astronauts to the ISS in 2020 and completing ten crew flights.