Two NASA astronauts, stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, are finally heading back to Earth after a nine-month delay. Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, originally scheduled for a short mission, had their stay extended due to the failure of Boeing’s Starliner capsule. They are now returning aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule alongside two other astronauts.
Delayed Return After Starliner Failure
Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS on June 6, 2024, for a brief test flight of the Starliner capsule. Their mission was supposed to last only ten days, but technical failures forced NASA and Boeing to send the Starliner back to Earth without them in September. Instead of returning, the two astronauts were integrated into the station’s crew, replacing others who were reassigned.
After months of uncertainty, a SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. ET, carrying them and two other astronauts—American Nicholas Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The crew is expected to splash down off the Florida coast around 6 p.m. ET after a 17-hour journey.
Farewell From the ISS Crew
As the Dragon capsule pulled away from the station, NASA’s Anne McClain bid them farewell, saying, “We’ll miss you, but have a great journey home.” Inside the capsule, Hague expressed gratitude for being part of an international team working for the “benefit of humanity.”
NASA officials assured that weather conditions for the splashdown were optimal, making for a smooth return. Before departure, the astronauts underwent final system checks inside the capsule while sharing emotional goodbyes with their ISS colleagues.
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Political Controversy Surrounding the Mission
The prolonged stay of Williams and Wilmore turned into a political issue, with SpaceX founder Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump accusing the Biden administration of abandoning them in space. Musk claimed, without evidence, that NASA rejected his offer to bring them home earlier.
Wilmore acknowledged Musk’s statements but admitted he had no details about what was offered or rejected. In a previous interview, he dismissed the idea of being abandoned, stating, “We don’t feel stuck or stranded. We prefer to be seen as prepared and committed.”
The situation sparked a heated exchange between Musk and European astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who refuted Musk’s claims and pointed out that the astronauts’ return had been planned for months. Musk responded by insulting Mogensen, which led to further backlash from former astronauts and even U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut himself.
What’s Next for Starliner?
Boeing’s Starliner program faces uncertainty. Engineers are still investigating technical failures, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. Reports suggest the spacecraft may not fly again in 2025, but Boeing remains committed to resolving the issues and securing a new flight certification.
Meanwhile, NASA continues relying on SpaceX Dragon for crewed missions to the ISS. The safe return of Williams, Wilmore, and their crewmates marks the end of a prolonged and unexpected journey, bringing relief after months of delays and speculation.
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