NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore remain aboard the International Space Station as their return to Earth faces yet another delay. Originally planned as a brief mission, their stay has now stretched to nearly nine months due to ongoing technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Why the Delay?
Williams and Wilmore launched on the Boeing Starliner in June 2024, expecting an eight-day mission. However, multiple technical setbacks with the spacecraft have prevented their safe return. As a result, NASA has been working with SpaceX to coordinate an alternative way to bring them home.
The SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which is set to replace the current ISS crew and facilitate the astronauts’ return, was initially planned for an earlier launch. However, due to weather conditions and technical problems, it has been postponed several times. The most recent delay came after engineers identified an issue with the hydraulic system of a ground support clamp arm on the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A.
New Return Date: March 19
NASA now expects Crew-10 to launch no earlier than March 14, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. EDT. Once the new crew arrives at the ISS, Williams and Wilmore will finally be able to board their return vehicle, targeting a March 19 landing on Earth.
Longer Stay, More Insights
While unexpected, the astronauts’ prolonged stay has provided valuable insights into the effects of long-term space habitation on the human body. Their extended mission will contribute to NASA’s research on future deep-space exploration, including potential missions to the Moon and Mars.
Despite the delays, NASA and SpaceX remain committed to ensuring a safe and successful return for the astronauts. As they await their long-overdue homecoming, Williams and Wilmore’s resilience continues to inspire space enthusiasts and scientists worldwide.
Starliner’s Mission and Unexpected Challenges
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner in June 2024 as part of the spacecraft’s first crewed test flight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The mission aimed to validate Starliner’s performance in transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Originally planned as a short-duration mission, the spacecraft successfully docked at the ISS, but soon after, technical issues arose. Engineers detected helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, leading NASA and Boeing to conduct extensive troubleshooting. Although the spacecraft remains docked at the ISS, NASA has not ruled out using Starliner for their return.
Repeated Delays and Search for Alternatives
NASA has been evaluating various options for the astronauts’ return while working to address Starliner’s issues. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, which is set to transport new astronauts to the ISS, has faced its own delays due to weather conditions and technical challenges with the Falcon 9 rocket. While Crew-10’s arrival will rotate new crew members onto the ISS, NASA has not yet confirmed whether Williams and Wilmore will return aboard Starliner or another spacecraft. Their return is now targeted for no earlier than March 19, 2025.
