SpaceX launched a mission bound to return astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stationed on the ISS long past their expected date. Labeled Crew-9, the mission finally lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after its delay due to Hurricane Helene. Unlike other missions, only two astronauts, Nick Hague with NASA and Aleksandr Gorbunov with Roscosmos, boarded. The other seats would be left for Williams and Wilmore, who will be returning in 2025 via the Crew Dragon capsule. Their mission aboard the ISS had been extended from what was initially an evaluation mission of Boeing's Starliner capsule because, at the time, it was too dangerous to return the astronauts. During this period, Williams and Wilmore have become full members of the station's crew, performing activities responsible for its successful running.

After months of training and careful inspection of the Starliner spacecraft, technical issues related to helium leaks and thruster failures prompted NASA to arrange with SpaceX for the return of the astronauts. In August, the agency reshuffled the crew, removing two astronauts, Stephanie Wilson and Zena Cardman, to include the two Starliner test pilots. Williams and Wilmore had been preparing to head home on the Starliner and had to adjust plans and stay on the ISS.

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Although this prolongation of stay is frustrating, according to Wilmore, there is no benefit in worrying. As for Williams, despite the sad moments of missing events related to her family, she has stressed that she found satisfaction in carrying out her job in space, in gratitude for every day spent within this unique experience.