NASA Astronauts Stranded on ISS for Nine Months Set to Return via SpaceX Capsule

Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally scheduled for a brief mission, faced extended delays due to spacecraft issues and protocol requirements.

NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams, stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, are expected to return to Earth within days aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
The delay stemmed from safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was deemed unfit for their return journey.
SpaceX's Dragon capsule, docked at the ISS since September 2024, will facilitate their return after the Crew-10 mission arrives to replace the current crew.
Elon Musk and others have alleged that political considerations delayed the astronauts' return, though NASA has cited operational protocols as the primary reason for the extended stay.
The Crew-10 mission, launching Wednesday night, will deliver replacements to the ISS and allow for a handover period before Wilmore and Williams depart with the outgoing Crew-9 team.