Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will remain in space longer than originally planned. They launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule for the company’s first crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Initially, their mission was scheduled to last a week, but due to delays in sending their replacement crew, it has been extended. They will now stay in space until at least March 2025, nearly ten months after their launch on June 5, 2024.
While their mission was originally meant to last eight days, it was extended to eight months. This change came after NASA decided to send the Starliner back to Earth without a crew in September for additional repairs and testing due to technical issues.
Sunita Williams Return Delay
NASA announced on Wednesday that the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth will be delayed until at least late March 2025. They will return alongside astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the Crew-10 mission reaches the International Space Station (ISS).
The Crew-10 mission, initially set for February 2025, is now expected to launch in late March to allow extra time for processing a new Dragon spacecraft. This delay is part of a “handover period,” during which the current Crew-9 will share their experiences and assist the new crew with ongoing science and maintenance at the ISS.
NASA did not specify an exact date for the astronauts’ return.
Williams and Wilmore originally traveled to the ISS in June 2024 for a mission that was supposed to last eight days. However, their stay was extended for several months when the Boeing Starliner capsule they used was found unfit for return to Earth.
Also Read: Crew-9 Mission: Sunita Williams Set for Rescue Launch
Are Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Safe Inside ISS?
Yes, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are safe aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS serves as a well-stocked, secure ‘home’ for scientists and astronauts conducting technical research missions. It is regularly supplied and equipped to support its crew.
They are not alone on the ISS. In addition to Williams and Wilmore, other astronauts are onboard, including Commander Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Jeanette Epps, and Alexander Grebenkin.
Several spacecraft are currently docked at the ISS, including SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavour (Crew-8 mission), Northrop Grumman’s resupply ship, the Soyuz MS-25 crew ship, and Progress 88 and 89 resupply ships. These spacecraft serve as additional support and safety resources.
In case of an emergency, crew capsules act as ‘lifeboats’ to evacuate astronauts if necessary. Boeing’s Starliner had previously served this role for Williams and Wilmore, but technical issues, such as thruster failures and helium gas leaks, prevented its use for their return.
ISRO Achieves Key Milestone
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently achieved a major milestone in its Gaganyaan program, which aims to send humans into space. ISRO successfully transported the first segment of a solid rocket motor from the production facility to the launch site.
This announcement comes after crucial recovery tests for the Gaganyaan mission were conducted in collaboration with the Indian Navy on December 6.
Also Read: Sunita Williams’ Space Return Expected in 2025
FAQs
Q.1. Why is Sunita Williams’ return to Earth delayed?
Ans. Her return is delayed due to the Crew-10 mission’s launch delay and technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule.
Q.2. How long will Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore stay in space?
Ans. They will stay in space until at least March 2025, nearly ten months after their launch in June 2024.
Q.3. Are Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safe on the ISS?
Ans. Yes, they are safe aboard the ISS, which is a well-stocked and secure space station, with additional crew and spacecraft support.
Q.4. What spacecraft are currently docked at the ISS?
Ans. Spacecraft docked include SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavour, Soyuz MS-25, Progress 88/89, and Northrop Grumman’s resupply ship.
Q.5. What role do crew capsules play on the ISS?
Ans. Crew capsules act as ‘lifeboats’ for evacuations in emergencies. Boeing’s Starliner was intended for this, but technical issues prevented its use for their return.
