NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, who launched in June 2024 for what was meant to be an eight-day mission, are finally set to return in mid-March 2025. Their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) followed technical setbacks with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which was initially supposed to ferry them back to Earth.
Starliner ran into trouble soon after docking, with helium leaks and thruster issues raising concerns over its safety for a crewed return. NASA eventually made the call to bring the spacecraft back without passengers, leaving Williams and Wilmore with an unexpected long-haul mission. They’ve now spent nearly nine months aboard the ISS, adapting to the reality of an indefinite wait while continuing their research and maintenance duties.
Despite speculation about their situation, Williams has downplayed concerns, saying, “I don’t think we’re stuck up here.” Their mission has turned into an extended study in long-term spaceflight, with both astronauts undergoing rigorous monitoring for the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the human body. Muscle loss, bone density reduction, and radiation exposure are among the primary concerns for astronauts on extended missions, but NASA’s exercise and health protocols have helped keep them in good shape.
NASA has now confirmed that Williams and Wilmore will return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, a change from the original plan but one that ensures their safe return. The experience highlights the unpredictable nature of spaceflight and the need for reliable backup options when things don’t go as planned.
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🌟NASA astronauts Sunita Williams & Barry Wilmore, stranded on the ISS since June 2024, will return in March 2025 via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. 🚀 Their extended mission highlights spaceflight challenges & backup plans. 🌟 #TheIndianSun @Astro_Sunihttps://t.co/61WgVOS6AI
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) February 16, 2025
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