SpaceX has postponed a scheduled flight to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a last-minute technical issue with the rocket’s launchpad. The mission was intended to send four replacement astronauts to the ISS, facilitating the long-overdue return of US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. Originally planned as an eight-day stay on the orbiting station, the two have been stranded in space for nine months after their trip aboard Boeing’s malfunctioning Starliner.

Concerns over a critical hydraulic system arose just hours before the scheduled launch. Officials announced the cancellation during the launch countdown but did not immediately confirm a new launch date.

Despite the delay, NASA has assured that both astronauts are safe. In the meantime, they have continued working on research and maintenance alongside the space station’s other crew members.