NASA Astronauts Stranded on ISS for Nine Months Set to Return
After more than nine months in space, two US astronauts who were unexpectedly stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) are finally set to return to Earth on Tuesday evening, NASA has confirmed. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been aboard the ISS since June 2024, will be making their long-awaited journey back aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which docked at the ISS on Sunday, March 10.
Wilmore and Williams were originally part of a test mission for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to be a short-duration mission. However, due to propulsion system malfunctions in the Starliner, NASA deemed it unsafe for their return journey, leaving the astronauts unable to come back as originally planned. Now, alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, they will splash down off the Florida coast at approximately 5:57 PM Eastern Time (21:57 GMT) on Tuesday.
Unexpected Stay Aboard the ISS
The extended stay of Wilmore and Williams was never part of the original plan. Their mission was intended to last only a few days, serving as a short test flight of the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft. However, technical failures led to delays, forcing them to remain at the ISS far longer than anticipated.
The Starliner, developed by Boeing as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, is one of the agency’s key spacecraft meant to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. However, during the maiden crewed voyage, engineers identified propulsion issues that could pose a serious safety risk if used for re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, NASA and Boeing postponed their return indefinitely until a reliable alternative could be arranged.
The extended duration of their stay meant that Wilmore and Williams had to adjust to life on the ISS for much longer than expected. Unlike the usual six-month rotations for astronauts aboard the space station, their prolonged mission lasted over nine months, requiring NASA to send additional supplies, including extra clothing and personal care items, since they had not packed enough for such an extended mission.
NASA Accelerates Return Timeline
Initially, NASA had planned for Wilmore and Williams to return no earlier than Wednesday, but favorable weather conditions have allowed the agency to move the splashdown forward by a day.
In an official statement released on Sunday evening, NASA announced that it had revised the schedule, stating:
“The updated return target continues to allow the space station crew members time to complete handover duties while providing operational flexibility ahead of less favorable weather conditions expected for later in the week.”
This change ensures that the astronauts can return safely and smoothly while avoiding potential weather disruptions.
The Journey Back to Earth
Wilmore, Williams, Hague, and Gorbunov will begin their departure process on Monday evening, with NASA planning to broadcast the entire journey live. The hatch closure preparations will be among the first steps, followed by the capsule undocking and beginning its descent back to Earth.
Once they enter Earth’s atmosphere, the Crew Dragon capsule will deploy parachutes to slow its descent before safely splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast. Recovery teams will then retrieve the spacecraft and assist the astronauts as they re-adjust to Earth’s gravity after their prolonged stay in space.
Historical Context: Not the Longest Stay, but Still Notable
While Wilmore and Williams’ stay aboard the ISS has been unexpectedly long, it does not break the record for the longest continuous spaceflight.
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The US record for the longest space mission is 371 days, set by NASA astronaut Frank Rubio in 2023.
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The world record is held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 continuous days on the Mir space station in the mid-1990s.
However, what makes their experience unique is that it was not planned to be a long-term mission. Unlike Rubio or Polyakov, who embarked on intended long-duration missions, Wilmore and Williams had to adjust to their extended stay on short notice. The emotional and psychological impact of being unexpectedly away from family, friends, and Earth for so long has drawn public interest and sympathy.
The Future of Boeing’s Starliner Program
The Starliner spacecraft was developed as a competitor to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, with both companies working under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to provide regular transportation to and from the ISS. However, technical issues and delays have plagued Starliner’s development, preventing it from becoming a fully operational transport system.
NASA and Boeing will need to resolve the propulsion issues before the Starliner can be certified for regular crewed flights. Until then, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon remains the primary mode of astronaut transport.
What’s Next for the Returning Astronauts?
Once back on Earth, Wilmore and Williams will undergo extensive medical evaluations to assess the effects of their extended stay in microgravity.
Some common post-spaceflight effects include:
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Changes in vision due to fluid shifting in the body, sometimes leading to temporary swelling of the optic nerve.
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Loss of muscle mass and bone density, requiring astronauts to undergo rehabilitation to regain normal strength.
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Readjustment to Earth’s gravity, which can cause balance issues and a sense of heaviness after months in space.
Despite these challenges, the astronauts are expected to recover fully and share their experiences, providing valuable insights for future missions.
Conclusion
The return of Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams marks the end of an unexpected space ordeal. Originally meant to be a short test mission, their nine-month stay on the International Space Station was a significant challenge due to technical failures with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
With their return now confirmed for Tuesday evening, NASA and SpaceX will work together to ensure a smooth journey home, bringing an end to their prolonged mission. Meanwhile, NASA and Boeing will need to resolve the technical issues that led to this delay before the Starliner can be trusted for future astronaut transport.
As Wilmore and Williams prepare for re-entry, their journey stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of astronauts, reminding the world of the challenges and uncertainties that come with human space exploration.
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