SpaceX Launches Crew to ISS as Astronauts Prepare for Return

After an unexpected nine-month stay at the ISS due to technical troubles, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally set to return home soon, following a new crew launch by SpaceX.

 

SpaceX has launched a rocket carrying a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS), paving the way for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to begin their long-awaited return to Earth. Originally assigned to stay on the ISS for only eight days, the duo is concluding an extended mission that has lasted over nine months due to various issues with the experimental spacecraft they initially arrived on. NASA's commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, expressed his excitement about their return, stating, "Butch and Suni have done a great job and we are excited to bring them back."

Once the newly arrived crew settles in, which consists of astronauts from the US, Russia, and Japan, Butch and Suni will commence their journey back to Earth two days later. However, the return may face delays depending on Earth conditions deemed safe for re-entry, as highlighted by ISS program manager Dana Weigel. Preparations for the handover have already commenced, with Suni handing command over to cosmonaut Alexei Ovchinin in a ceremonial gesture.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Suni Williams has referred to her time in space as her "happy place." Nevertheless, experts recognize the personal sacrifices involved in their extended absence, including disruptions to family life and missed events. The duo's mission originally commenced in June 2024 as part of tests for Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, but technical difficulties with the spacecraft, including thruster issues and gas leaks, complicated the situation.

NASA opted to prioritize safety over the use of the Starliner for the return, choosing instead the SpaceX Dragon capsule for the astronauts' safe ride home. This decision, while ensuring the astronauts' security, has drawn criticism from Boeing, who felt their spacecraft had been unjustly sidelined. Additionally, high-profile figures, including President Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, have suggested political motives behind the delay, a claim NASA officials firmly deny. Dr. Libby Jackson from the Science Museum in London affirmed that the health and wellbeing of the astronauts were at the forefront of decision-making, emphasizing that NASA acted with both technical and programmatic considerations in mind.

With the SpaceX launch marking a significant milestone, many are eager to see Butch and Suni safely return to Earth, bringing closure to an unprecedented mission.