NASA could ask SpaceX to help Boeing spacecraft astronauts return from space station

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA is delaying the launch of SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station.

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The Crew Dragon spacecraft scheduled to launch Crew-9′s astronauts may be used to bring back astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, according to reports.

The two astronauts have been in orbit for seven weeks longer than planned after technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Read: NASA delays next crew launch to buy more time at the space station for Boeing’s troubled capsule

Crew-9 mission launch from the Kennedy Space Center was initially being planned for mid-August.

SpaceX’s Crew-9 launch is now targeted for Sept. 24 at the earliest.

Read: Elon Musk to move SpaceX & X headquarters out of California

Currently, scientists are working to determine if Starliner is safe to bring them home.

NASA officials plan to share more details at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday during a media briefing.

Read: NASA celebrates 55th anniversary of first moon landing at Kennedy Space Center

Channel 9 will monitor the news conference by NASA and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

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