NASA Fast-Tracks Sunita Williams’ Return from ISS Amid SpaceX Capsule Swap

NASA has accelerated its crew rotation schedule, moving the Crew-10 launch to March 12 to facilitate the early return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS. The agency will use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, “Endurance,” due to production delays of a new capsule. Their return, initially planned, follows technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner and public pressure, pending a successful handover with Crew-10 and favorable splashdown conditions.

 

NASA Fast-Tracks Sunita Williams’ Return from ISS Amid SpaceX Capsule Swap

NASA has announced changes to its upcoming crew rotation schedule, expediting the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). The space agency has decided to use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, named “Endurance,” for the Crew-10 mission instead of a new one, which has faced production delays. This adjustment allows for an earlier launch and return schedule.

Originally set for March 25, the Crew-10 launch is now targeted for March 12, pending final mission readiness and certification. The four-member Crew-10 team, consisting of NASA astronauts Anne McClain (commander) and Nichole Ayers (pilot), along with JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, will take over operations on the ISS from the outgoing Crew-9 team.

Williams and Wilmore traveled to the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which has since encountered technical issues, including a helium leak. Williams has been leading operations on the ISS during their extended stay. Their return hinges on the successful arrival and handover process with Crew-10.

This decision follows public pressure, including a call from U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Elon Musk to facilitate their return “as soon as possible.” However, NASA had already been planning their return and reaffirmed that it would proceed “as soon as practical.”

Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, emphasized the unpredictable nature of human spaceflight and praised the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX in adapting to challenges. Once Crew-10 is settled in, NASA and SpaceX will coordinate the return of Williams, Wilmore, and their fellow Crew-9 members—Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov—pending favorable weather conditions at splashdown sites off Florida’s coast.

NASA has announced an adjustment to its upcoming crew rotation schedule, accelerating the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). To facilitate this, the agency has opted to use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, “Endurance,” for the Crew-10 mission instead of a newly built capsule, whose production has been delayed.

This scheduling change means the Crew-10 launch, initially set for March 25, has been moved up to March 12, pending final mission preparations and certification. The Crew-10 team—NASA astronauts Anne McClain (commander) and Nichole Ayers (pilot), JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov—will replace Crew-9 on the ISS, allowing Williams and Wilmore to return home after nearly 10 months in space.

Williams and Wilmore traveled to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June 2024, but technical issues, including a helium leak, extended their stay. Williams has been leading station operations during this period. Their return depends on the successful handover between Crew-9 and Crew-10.

The decision follows public calls, including a request from U.S. President Donald Trump urging Elon Musk to expedite their return. However, NASA had already planned their return and reiterated that it would happen “as soon as practical.”

Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, acknowledged the unpredictability of human spaceflight, emphasizing the strong collaboration with SpaceX in adapting to challenges. Once Crew-10 is settled in, NASA and SpaceX will proceed with the return of Crew-9 astronauts—Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov—pending favorable weather conditions at the designated splashdown sites off Florida’s coast.