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| On June 13, 2024, Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are photographed inside the vestibule that connects the forward port of the International Space Station's Harmony module with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Photo courtesy of NASA via AP, FILES. |
NASA astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore have safely returned to Earth following an unprecedented mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) that lasted over nine months. Their mission, initially intended to be an eight-day test flight aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule, was extended due to technical issues with the spacecraft's propulsion system.
Mission Timeline and Challenges
Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS on June 6, 2024, as part of Boeing's Starliner-1 mission. However, propulsion system malfunctions in the Starliner rendered it unsafe for re-entry, leading to an extended stay on the station. NASA deemed the return journey on Starliner too risky, resulting in its uncrewed return in September 2024.
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| On June 5, 2024, Boeing's Starliner capsule, mounted atop an Atlas V rocket, launches from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on their journey to the International Space Station. Photo by Chris O'Meara/AP, FILES. |
To facilitate their safe return, NASA coordinated with SpaceX to utilize the Crew Dragon capsule. The astronauts departed the ISS aboard the Crew Dragon early on March 18, 2025, and are expected to splash down off the coast of Florida after a 17-hour journey.
Duration and Contributions
Throughout their extended mission, Williams and Wilmore spent approximately 286 days in space. During this period, they conducted various research experiments and performed maintenance tasks aboard the ISS, including multiple spacewalks. Notably, Williams set a record for the most time spent spacewalking by a female astronaut.
Public and Political Attention
Their prolonged mission drew significant public and political attention, with former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressing concerns over the delay. The astronauts' safe return has been widely celebrated, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of space operations.
Looking Ahead
The mission underscored the importance of collaboration between NASA and commercial partners like Boeing and SpaceX. As Williams and Wilmore reunite with their families and colleagues, their experience provides valuable insights into long-duration spaceflight and the challenges of ensuring astronaut safety.
For more details on their mission and return, you can watch the following NASA briefing:
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