After a challenging mission that included an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are set to return to Earth. Originally launched in June, their test flight with Boeing’s Starliner capsule encountered significant difficulties that extended their stay from the expected nine days to a remarkable nine months.

Challenges with Starliner Capsule

During the mission, the Starliner capsule, named “Calypso,” faced issues with its thrusters, resulting in complications during docking procedures. As safety concerns regarding the capsule’s return capabilities arose, NASA decided to send the Starliner back to Earth uncrewed, allowing for further investigation into the reported problems. This decision prioritized astronaut safety and operational integrity.

Transition to SpaceX for Return

Due to the complications with Boeing’s Starliner, NASA revised its plans and arranged for Wilmore and Williams to return via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. To facilitate this transition, two astronauts from the SpaceX Crew-9 mission—who had arrived at the ISS approximately a month prior—were removed from the return roster to accommodate the two veteran astronauts.

Launch Schedules and Crew Rotations

Initially, the return of Wilmore and Williams was scheduled to coincide with the Crew-10 mission. However, delays in the launch timeline pushed back their return. The Crew-10 mission successfully launched recently and docked at the ISS, allowing for the “handover” process between crews, a customary procedure in the ISS’s operational workflow.

Future of Boeing’s Starliner Program

The Starliner crew flight test was intended to enhance NASA’s goals of having multiple commercial partners—Boeing and SpaceX—operating missions to the ISS. However, Boeing’s Starliner program has incurred over $2 billion in losses and its future involvement in crewed space missions remains uncertain.

Astronauts’ Experiences in Space

Throughout their extended stay, Wilmore and Williams participated in routine scientific experiments and maintenance tasks. Williams, a highly experienced astronaut, even conducted a spacewalk during this period. Despite the prolonged mission, both astronauts expressed a sense of normalcy in their roles and looked forward to returning home, particularly Williams who mentioned her eagerness to see her family and pets.

Political Context

The astronauts’ extended stay drew attention from various political figures, with some, including former President Donald Trump, implying that they were “stranded.” NASA consistently clarified its operational decisions and maintained that their plans for the return of Wilmore and Williams remained firm and unchanged since their announcement in August.