NASA Astronauts Near Return After Extended Space Stay Due to Boeing Starliner Issues
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have spent 281 days aboard the ISS following delays caused by Starliner malfunctions, with their return now dependent on SpaceX Crew-10's arrival.
- Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, far exceeding the typical six-month mission duration.
- Their prolonged stay was caused by malfunctions in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, including helium leaks and propulsion issues, which rendered it unsafe for their return journey.
- NASA and SpaceX plan to bring the astronauts back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, with their return contingent on the successful launch and docking of the Crew-10 mission, now rescheduled for Friday night.
- If the current schedule holds, Williams and Wilmore will end their mission with 286 consecutive days in orbit, making it the sixth-longest spaceflight by NASA astronauts in history.
- The delay has been challenging for the astronauts and their families, but Williams has remained engaged, including connecting with her hometown community and students during her extended mission.




















































