NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return Sooner Than Expected

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, originally set for an eight-day mission, have been stranded on the ISS for nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner. To expedite their return, NASA will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, bringing them back by mid-March instead of late March or April. Williams reassured the public that they are safe, well-supplied, and continuing their research.

 

NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return Sooner Than Expected

NASA’s two stranded astronauts might return to Earth sooner than expected. On Tuesday, the space agency revealed that SpaceX will swap capsules for upcoming missions, allowing Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to come home by mid-March rather than late March or April. This adjustment shortens their extended stay aboard the International Space Station, which reached eight months last week, by at least a couple of weeks.

 

Stranded in Space: Updates on Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Return to Earth

NASA recently confirmed that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been in space for nine months, are now expected to return to Earth by mid-March.

 

Extended Stay Due to Technical Issues

Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed mission, originally planned to last just eight days. However, shortly after docking at the International Space Station (ISS), NASA identified multiple technical issues with the spacecraft, leading to repeated delays to ensure their safe return.

As a result, NASA has now scheduled their return for late March 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The agency had initially considered preparing a new capsule, but this led to additional delays. To expedite their return, NASA has decided to repurpose an existing Crew Dragon, originally intended for a private Axiom Space mission.

 

Public and Political Attention

The prolonged stay of the astronauts has drawn significant public and political interest. In January, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Elon Musk to assist in bringing Williams and Wilmore back. Musk responded, confirming that SpaceX would support their return, although NASA had already been working on the plan.

 

Williams Responds to Concerns

Amid growing speculation about their situation, Sunita Williams reassured the public that she and Wilmore are safe, well-supplied, and continuing scientific research aboard the ISS. She dismissed concerns about being “stranded,” stating, “I don’t think I’m abandoned. I don’t think we’re stuck up here.”

A recent viral image showing Williams looking thinner sparked further concerns. She explained that microgravity causes bodily fluids to shift, altering facial appearance, but emphasized that she is maintaining her health through regular exercise.

 

Return Timeline and Crew Status

NASA has confirmed that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams are likely to return by late March 2025 aboard the Crew Dragon capsule. Until then, they will continue their research and mission duties aboard the ISS.

Currently, there are four astronauts aboard the space station, including Wilmore and Williams, along with two other astronauts who arrived in September. The incoming crew consists of two NASA astronauts, one Japanese astronaut, and one Russian astronaut.