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3mo ago

NASA Adjusts Return Plans for Astronauts After Extended ISS Mission

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, initially set for an 8-day mission, will return to Earth in March after nearly 290 days in space due to spacecraft complications.

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is pictured docked to the International Space Station's Harmony module forward port. This long-duration photograph was taken at night 256 miles above the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai, India. (NASA)
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Overview

  • NASA plans to bring astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore home on March 19, two weeks earlier than initially scheduled, after an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
  • The mission, originally planned for 8 to 30 days, stretched to nearly 290 days due to propulsion and helium leak issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was deemed unsafe for their return.
  • NASA's decision to swap SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft for the return was finalized months ago, unrelated to recent political statements by President Trump and Elon Musk.
  • Trump and Musk have publicly criticized the Biden administration for the delay, though NASA and SpaceX cite technical challenges with the Crew Dragon spacecraft as the primary cause.
  • The astronauts emphasized that they do not feel abandoned, highlighting their ongoing contributions to scientific research and the importance of maintaining a fully staffed ISS.