A SpaceX capsule has docked at the International Space Station to bring back two stranded astronauts next year.

SpaceX is likely to seek FAA approval to resume flights in a similar manner, while its engineering investigation continues with oversight by the FAA. The agency regulates rocket launches and rocket re-entries to the extent they may affect public safety.

Because NASA rotates space station crews approximately every six months, this newly launched flight with two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams won’t return until late February. Officials said there wasn’t a way to bring them back earlier on SpaceX without interrupting other scheduled missions.