**NASA Astronauts Reflect on Missed Opportunity Amid SpaceX Launch**

Watching their rocket lift off without them onboard was a poignant moment for NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson. Originally slated to join a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) this past weekend, their plans were disrupted due to Boeing's problematic Starliner spacecraft. Instead of boarding the SpaceX Crew Dragon as intended, Cardman and Wilson had to remain on the ground to make room for their colleagues, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

Wilmore and Williams found themselves stranded on the ISS since June after a series of issues forced their Starliner spacecraft to return to Earth without them last month. The pair will now take over the seats initially intended for Cardman and Wilson in February, prolonging the wait for the latter astronauts.

During the live broadcast of Saturday's Crew-9 launch, Cardman expressed her mixed emotions, saying it was hard not to think of the rocket and crew as her own. Wilson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strong bonds formed through teamwork and camaraderie. Despite their disappointment, both women expressed excitement for their colleagues' journey and looked forward to hearing their stories from space.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov took up two of the four seats on the Crew Dragon. Hague, a veteran of two ISS missions, and Gorbunov, in space for the first time, will be returning alongside Wilmore and Williams early next year. Cardman, who has yet to visit the ISS, and Wilson, a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions, watched the launch with a mix of pride and longing.

To ensure the spacecraft's balance, NASA simulated the presence of Cardman and Wilson using ballast. Cardman praised NASA's commitment to crew safety and spoke highly of Wilmore and Williams' preparedness for the mission.

The decision to alter the crew lineup came in late August, necessitating weeks of preparation while watching their colleagues gear up for the launch. Despite the setback, both women showcased resilience and professional dedication. NASA chief astronaut Joe Acaba commended them, stating they exemplify what it means to be professional astronauts.