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2mo ago

NASA Astronauts to Return After 10-Month Space Station Stay Following Starliner Issues

The prolonged mission of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams highlights Boeing's Starliner setbacks and NASA's reliance on SpaceX for their safe return.

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Suni Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore (right) on a call with journalists from the International Space Station.

Overview

  • NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally scheduled for a 10-day mission, have spent 277 days in orbit due to safety issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
  • NASA determined in August 2024 that Starliner was not safe for crewed return and opted to bring the astronauts back using SpaceX's Crew Dragon vehicle.
  • The Starliner mission faced significant technical challenges, including helium leaks and propulsion system failures, leading to the spacecraft's uncrewed return to Earth in September 2024.
  • SpaceX's Crew-9 mission integrated Wilmore and Williams into its rotation, extending their stay on the International Space Station and allowing time for necessary safety preparations for their return.
  • Despite claims by Elon Musk and former President Trump that political motives delayed the astronauts' return, NASA officials state the timeline was driven by technical and logistical considerations.