NASA Astronauts Stranded for Nine Months Finally Near Return to Earth

Replacement Crew Set to Arrive Before Wilmore and Williams Head Home

NASA’s two stranded astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, are just weeks away from their long-awaited return to Earth. After spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the duo is set to depart later this month—but not before their replacements arrive next week.

The two astronauts, who initially expected their mission to last about a week, have been caught in a series of delays stemming from Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule. Now, after months of uncertainty, a SpaceX spacecraft will finally bring them home alongside two other astronauts who have been awaiting their return journey since September.

The Mission That Stretched Far Beyond Its Timeline

Wilmore and Williams launched in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, a much-anticipated crewed debut after years of setbacks. However, their mission took an unexpected turn when the spacecraft encountered significant technical issues upon reaching the ISS. NASA deemed Starliner unsafe for a return trip, leaving the two astronauts stranded in orbit while alternative arrangements were made.

Their stay on the ISS, originally planned for about a week, extended month after month as NASA and Boeing worked to address safety concerns. The prolonged mission turned what should have been a short visit into an extended tour aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Politics, Elon Musk, and the SpaceX Factor

During a recent news conference, Wilmore emphasized that political factors did not influence the delays in their return. However, the situation gained attention in January when former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk called for an accelerated return, blaming the previous administration for the delay.

Williams, when asked about Musk’s suggestion to scrap the ISS within two years instead of NASA’s planned 2031 deorbit, pushed back on the idea. She highlighted the critical scientific work taking place on the space station and argued that the ISS is currently operating at peak efficiency.

The Long Wait Takes a Toll

Despite the challenges, the astronauts maintained a sense of purpose. Williams acknowledged that while she and Wilmore remained focused on their daily tasks, their extended absence was hardest on their families back on Earth.

• Williams mentioned missing her Labrador retrievers, saying she’s eager to reunite with them after the long separation.
• The constant shifts in return timelines made it difficult for their loved ones, who had to adapt to months of uncertainty.
• The wait also impacted mission planners, who had to reorganize schedules to accommodate unexpected delays.

A SpaceX Homecoming and What Comes Next

NASA’s decision to switch to a used SpaceX capsule for the replacement crew’s arrival has accelerated the timeline for Wilmore and Williams’ return. The new crew is set to launch on March 12, spending about a week on the ISS before the departing astronauts finally board their SpaceX ride home.

A table outlining key mission events:

The journey has been anything but routine. But after nearly a year in space, Wilmore and Williams are finally heading home—ending what will be remembered as one of the most unexpected mission extensions in recent NASA history.