NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally set to return to Earth after spending more than nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The duo initially embarked on what was meant to be a short test flight in June 2023 on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, propulsion issues with the capsule left them unable to return home as planned, forcing them to extend their stay.
Their unexpected delay made them the longest-serving astronauts on the ISS since NASA established a six-month rotation standard. While their mission lasted far beyond their original timeline, it still falls short of the U.S. spaceflight record set by Frank Rubio, who spent 371 days aboard the ISS in 2023.
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SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Paves the Way
NASA and SpaceX successfully launched a new crew to the ISS on Friday, marking a crucial step in bringing Wilmore and Williams home. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:03 p.m. ET, carrying the four-person Crew-10 team. Their arrival at the ISS on Sunday allowed Wilmore and Williams to prepare for their long-awaited departure.
Alongside them, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will also return to Earth. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which arrived at the ISS early Sunday, will carry all four astronauts home. Their splashdown off the Florida coast is now scheduled for 5:57 p.m. ET on Tuesday, earlier than originally planned, due to favorable weather conditions.
Political Pressure and Mission Challenges
The prolonged stay of Wilmore and Williams has sparked political debate, with former U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticizing NASA’s handling of their return. Musk had even proposed a dedicated SpaceX mission to retrieve the two astronauts last year, but NASA officials decided against it due to budget constraints and operational priorities.
NASA emphasized that the delay was a matter of ensuring proper staffing levels on the ISS rather than political interference. The agency followed its standard safety and operational procedures, waiting until a new crew could arrive before bringing the stranded astronauts home.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, acknowledged that the preparation process for the Crew-10 mission was “unusual” and involved addressing last-minute concerns, such as a Falcon 9 fuel leak and thruster coating deterioration on the Crew Dragon capsule.
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Despite the complications, Wilmore and Williams remained focused on their mission, assisting with scientific research and station maintenance. However, their prolonged stay meant they needed additional clothing and personal supplies that were not part of their original packing list. Williams expressed excitement about returning home, especially to reunite with her family and pets. “It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us,” she said.