NASA’s SpaceX has successfully launched the highly anticipated Crew-10 mission, sending Major Nicoli AES and her team hurtling towards the International Space Station (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:03 PM EDT on March 14, 2025, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

As the spacecraft speeds through the cosmos at an astonishing 17,000 mph, it is set to autonomously dock with the ISS at approximately 11:30 PM EDT on March 15, after a grueling 28.5 hours in orbit. Major Nicoli, a decorated Air Force pilot with over 200 combat hours and extensive flight experience, reflects on her rigorous training that prepared her for this moment. “We train for the worst and hope for the best,” she stated, emphasizing the critical teamwork s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s honed during her military career.

This mission not only represents a personal achievement for Major Nicoli, who grew up inspired by the space shuttle program, but also showcases NASA’s commitment to leveraging commercial partnerships for future space endeavors. Crew-10 will conduct vital research and technology testing that will support long-duration missions to the Moon and beyond, benefiting humanity as a whole.

As the world watches, the Crew-10 team is poised to embark on a journey filled with challenges and discoveries. With the Falcon 9 successfully landing back on Earth, the focus now shifts to the crew’s mission aboard the ISS. This launch is not just a testament to human ingenuity but a reminder of the bonds formed in the pursuit of exploration. The countdown to history has begun—stay tuned as we follow Major Nicoli and her crew on this extraordinary adventure.