Bringing Astronauts Back From Prolonged ISS Adventure

American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will finally return home from the International Space Station this Wednesday with SpaceX, after a mission that unexpectedly stretched from eight days to an astonishing nine months due to Boeing Starliner malfunctions.

Quick Takes

NASA astronauts were stranded when their Boeing Starliner spacecraft developed technical issues including helium leaks and propulsion problems
The Starliner was sent back to Earth empty in September 2024, with NASA deciding a crewed return was too risky
SpaceX will now bring them home aboard a Dragon capsule after 277 days in space, compared to their planned 10-day mission
Williams made history during the extended stay, setting a record for most cumulative spacewalk time by a woman
The mission has become politically charged, with President Trump and Elon Musk making public statements about the situation

From 8 Days to 9 Months: An Extended Mission

What was supposed to be a routine eight-day mission for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams has turned into an extended 277-day stay aboard the International Space Station. The astronauts launched in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was undergoing certification testing for regular crew transport. Technical problems quickly emerged, including helium leaks and propulsion system issues, forcing NASA to make difficult decisions about the crew’s return. Eventually, the space agency determined the safest option was to send the Starliner back without its crew, which it did on September 6, landing in New Mexico.

The extended mission wasn’t without accomplishments. Williams took command of the ISS as Expedition 72 commander and set a record for the most cumulative time spent on spacewalks by a woman, reaching 62 hours and 6 minutes. Both astronauts also participated in numerous scientific experiments and conducted essential maintenance on the orbital laboratory. Despite the unexpected circumstances, they maintained professionalism throughout their extended stay, even performing their civic duty by voting in the U.S. presidential election from orbit.

Space Updates:

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, are preparing for their return to Earth. Initially launched on Boeing's Starliner for a short test flight, technical issues forced the…

— Space Universe (@space_univrs) March 6, 2025

SpaceX to the Rescue

After months of waiting, the solution for returning the stranded astronauts comes from SpaceX. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule is scheduled to launch from Florida on Wednesday, providing the transportation needed to bring Wilmore and Williams home. This mission illustrates the importance of having multiple spacecraft systems capable of servicing the ISS, especially when technical issues arise. The SpaceX Dragon capsule has required preparation for this recovery operation, including the installation of custom-fitted seats for the returning astronauts.

The timing of the return has been complex, with NASA needing to coordinate multiple missions. The Crew-9 mission dedicated to bringing Wilmore and Williams home had to be scheduled around Crew-10’s fluctuating launch dates, which are now expected in mid-March 2025. This careful orchestration ensures continuous crew presence on the ISS while addressing the needs of the stranded astronauts. Throughout this extended stay, the astronauts have remained in regular communication with mission control, their families, and NASA leadership.

Political Controversy Surrounds Extended Mission

The extended stay has become politicized, with President Trump and Elon Musk making public statements about the situation. President Trump claimed he “authorized” the astronauts’ return and made allegations about the previous administration’s handling of the situation. During public appearances, Trump stated, “Biden was embarrassed by what happened, and he said ‘Leave them up there,'” suggesting political motivations for the extended mission. These comments have added a political dimension to what NASA insists was a technical decision.

Former astronauts and NASA officials have disputed these political claims. Former astronaut Scott Kelly noted that a SpaceX Dragon capsule was already attached to the ISS as an emergency lifeboat, meaning the astronauts could have returned earlier if necessary. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy directly responded to the President’s claims, stating, “I don’t know who he spoke to” when asked about Trump’s statements. NASA officials have consistently maintained that all decisions were based on technical considerations involving cost, safety, and mission requirements rather than politics.