Stranded Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally received some good news – their return date to Earth has been set earlier than expected. NASA recently announced that the two astronauts, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since last June after hitching a ride on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, will be heading home on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. This unexpected change in plans will see them departing with the ISS Crew-10 on Wednesday, March 12, after spending approximately 250 consecutive days in orbit.
A Bumpy Ride Home
Initially, Williams and Wilmore were only meant to spend about a week in space. However, due to issues with the propulsion and helium systems on their Boeing Starliner, the two astronauts found themselves stranded in space for much longer. Despite three months of troubleshooting efforts, NASA was forced to return the capsule to Earth empty. Luckily, the capsule landed safely in New Mexico on September 7, 2024. Unfortunately, a recent watchdog report revealed new thruster problems that occurred during the descent, raising concerns about the safety of the Starliner spacecraft.
In October, news broke that Boeing is considering selling its space business, including Starliner, highlighting the challenges faced by the aerospace company. Despite these setbacks, Williams and Wilmore have remained resilient and made the most of their time in orbit. Williams even set a new record for the most nonconsecutive hours of spacewalking by a female astronaut, showcasing her determination and dedication to space exploration.
A Swift Return
Following NASA’s announcement in December 2024 that Williams and Wilmore would return in late March 2025 at the earliest, the recent change in plans has expedited their homecoming. The astronauts, along with the rest of Crew-9, will now be returning on a previously flown Dragon capsule named the Endurance. This decision will allow for a quicker swap between Crew-9 and Crew-10 while SpaceX completes the final preparations for the new Dragon capsule’s integration.
Joining Williams and Wilmore on their journey back to Earth will be astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They will be replaced by a new crew consisting of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. The exact return date will be determined based on weather conditions near Florida, where the Dragon capsule is expected to splash down.
As the countdown to their return begins, the world eagerly awaits the safe homecoming of these brave astronauts. Their resilience and dedication to space exploration serve as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that come with venturing beyond our planet. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey back to Earth and the exciting adventures that await them upon their return.
