NASA and SpaceX have successfully launched the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), bringing veteran astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore closer to returning home after an unexpected nine-month stay in space. The mission took off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 4:33 am (IST) on Friday after a brief delay due to a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm.

The Crew-10 mission comprises four astronauts—Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. This marks the 10th crew rotation under SpaceX’s human spaceflight program and the 11th overall crewed mission to the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Williams and Wilmore’s Prolonged ISS Stay Due to Technical Malfunction

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been aboard the ISS since June 2024, well beyond their originally scheduled eight-day mission. Their extended stay resulted from a technical malfunction with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, delaying their return multiple times. Initially planned for February 2025, their homecoming was further postponed, with NASA now confirming their return will take place in the coming days following Crew-10’s successful arrival at the ISS.

Political Controversy Surrounding the Astronauts’ Delay

The extended delay in bringing Williams and Wilmore back to Earth has also sparked political debate. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, along with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, accused the Biden administration of intentionally delaying their return, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims. The statements have led to heated exchanges within the space community.

Musk previously clashed with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who pointed out that the reassignment of Crew-9 had already accounted for Williams and Wilmore’s return. Musk responded with offensive language, drawing criticism from retired astronauts. Meanwhile, Wilmore appeared to side with Musk, suggesting his statements were likely factual, though he admitted to lacking detailed knowledge of the situation.

Trump also made headlines for his remarks about Williams, referring to her in an unusual manner and making speculative comments about the dynamics between the two astronauts.

Return Timeline for Williams and Wilmore

NASA has confirmed that Williams and Wilmore are set to return to Earth a few days after Crew-10 arrives at the ISS. Their prolonged stay highlights the challenges of human spaceflight and the complexities of spacecraft reliability. With Crew-10 now en route, NASA expects to bring the two astronauts home safely after an unexpectedly long mission.

Oppo is gearing up to introduce the F29 5G series in India, featuring the Oppo F29 5G and Oppo F29 Pro 5G. The launch is scheduled for March 20 at 12 PM (IST), as confirmed by Oppo through an official post on X. The F29 Pro 5G will be available in Granite Black and Marble White, while the standard Oppo F29 5G will come in Glacier Blue and Solid Purple.

Key features and durability

Oppo has positioned the F29 5G series as a “durable champion”, with military-grade MIL-STD-810H-2022 certification. The devices boast a 360-degree armor body and have reportedly undergone testing by SGS India, achieving IP66, IP68, and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings.

The smartphones incorporate an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy internal frame, a lens protection ring, a raised corner design cover, and sponge bionic cushioning, ensuring enhanced durability.

What to expect from the Oppo F29 5G series?

Oppo’s F-series has been known for its sleek design and competent cameras, and the F29 models promise a continuation of this legacy. While detailed specifications are yet to be revealed officially, leaks suggest an emphasis on rugged durability and advanced design.

Oppo F29 5G series price in India

Though Oppo has not disclosed the official pricing, the F29 5G series is expected to be positioned in the mid-range segment, similar to its predecessor, the Oppo F27 5G, which launched in India in August 2024.

With its durability-focused build and attractive color options, the Oppo F29 5G series is likely to attract consumers looking for a reliable and stylish smartphone.

Reliance Jio has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink broadband services in India, a move aimed at improving internet accessibility, especially in remote and rural regions. The deal will enable Jio to leverage SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, enhancing its existing broadband services like JioAirFiber and JioFiber.

Under this collaboration, Starlink equipment will be available at Reliance Jio stores across the country, subject to regulatory approvals. Customers will also have access to installation, activation, and support services provided by Jio.

Boosting India’s digital connectivity

The partnership aligns with Jio’s goal of ensuring high-speed internet access for enterprises, small and medium businesses (SMBs), and communities across the country. By utilizing Starlink’s extensive satellite network, the initiative is expected to bridge connectivity gaps in difficult-to-reach locations.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations, and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”

Regulatory approvals and future collaborations

While the partnership is a significant step, Starlink’s services in India still require clearance from regulatory authorities. Once approved, Starlink broadband services will be available for purchase and activation through Jio’s distribution network.

Additionally, Jio and SpaceX plan to explore other complementary areas of cooperation, utilizing their infrastructure to further strengthen India’s digital ecosystem.

This development follows SpaceX’s recent agreement with Bharti Airtel, which also intends to sell Starlink equipment and provide connectivity solutions to business customers, schools, health centers, and remote communities.