U.S. Astronauts Wilmore & Williams Return to Earth After 9-Month Mission

After spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, along with fellow astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, are finally preparing to return to Earth.

The quartet is scheduled to splash down at approximately 5:57 p.m. ET, roughly 19 hours after closing the hatch on the SpaceX capsule carrying them home, according to NASA's estimated timeline. The highly anticipated return trip can be witnessed live by the public.

A Journey Extended by Technical Difficulties

Wilmore and Williams originally launched from Earth in June on a test flight intended to last about nine days. However, their mission was significantly extended due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule "Calypso." Thrusters on the capsule malfunctioned during docking, raising concerns about its capability to safely transport the astronauts back to Earth.

As a precautionary measure, NASA decided to send the capsule back empty after it had been docked at the space station for approximately three months. The agency stated that this decision was made to "further understand the root causes" of the spacecraft's problems.

Shifting Plans and Crew Rotation

In response to these unforeseen circumstances, NASA announced that Wilmore and Williams would return on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft instead. To accommodate their extended stay, the agency adjusted its rotation of astronauts, removing two individuals from SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, which was scheduled to return to Earth this week, to make room for Wilmore and Williams.

The capsule carrying the crew members on Crew-9 arrived at the ISS back in September. It is important to note that crews on the ISS rotate regularly, with each group working until the next arrives at the space station, followed by a ceremonial "handover" of responsibilities.

Delays and New Launches

NASA had initially planned for SpaceX's Crew-10 mission to launch in February, preceding the return of the Crew-9 members. However, this launch was delayed by about a month. The rocket carrying the four new crew members successfully launched on Friday evening, with its capsule docking at the space station approximately 29 hours later.

Boeing's Future in Space Exploration

The Starliner crew flight test was intended to be a crucial milestone for Boeing, aiming to provide a key asset for NASA. The agency had envisioned a scenario where both Boeing and Elon Musk's SpaceX would operate alternating missions to the ISS, fostering competition and driving innovation in the space exploration sector.

However, with significant financial losses exceeding $2 billion on its Starliner spacecraft, Boeing's future crewed space plans remain uncertain. Wilmore and Williams' journey became intertwined with political dynamics when President Donald Trump took office. Trump, along with Musk, who had become a close advisor to the president, publicly urged a quicker Crew-10 launch and made unsubstantiated claims that the two astronauts were "stranded" on the ISS due to political maneuvering by the Biden administration.

Maintaining Routine Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the extended stay and unforeseen challenges, Wilmore and Williams seamlessly integrated into the regular rotation at the ISS. They actively participated in scientific experiments, conducted routine maintenance tasks, and even performed a spacewalk. Throughout their time aboard the station, they consistently conveyed a sense of normalcy, emphasizing their dedication to their mission and their eagerness to return home.

Williams has repeatedly stated that she and Wilmore do not feel "abandoned" on the ISS but are looking forward to returning to Earth to reunite with their families and beloved pets. She acknowledged that the experience had been a rollercoaster for those waiting for them back on Earth, expressing gratitude for their support and understanding.