NASA Astronauts Set to Return After Nine-Month Stay on ISS

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams' extended mission follows Starliner safety concerns and logistical adjustments by NASA and SpaceX.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been on the International Space Station since June 2024, far exceeding their original eight-day mission plan.
The delay stemmed from safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which experienced malfunctions during its first crewed flight.
NASA opted to bring the astronauts back aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon after ensuring necessary preparations, including custom spacesuits and seat liners, were completed.
Elon Musk alleged political motives behind the delayed return, but NASA officials emphasized that technical and logistical factors guided their decisions.
The astronauts are expected to return to Earth aboard the Crew-9 mission shortly after the Crew-10 mission docks on March 12, with the return likely around March 19.