Nasa launch paves way for return of stranded astronauts from space station

Cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, astronaut Nichole Ayers, astronaut Anne McClain and JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi have launched for the ISS. Picture: John Raoux/AP

The replacements for Nasa’s two stuck astronauts have launched to the International Space Station, paving the way for the pair’s return after nine months.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams need SpaceX to get the relief team to the space station before they can check out. Arrival is set for late Saturday night.