Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, completed a nine-month stay at the International Space Station after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft faced multiple delays and technical issues. The crew’s journey began on June 5, 2024, with an initial planned two-week mission, but helium leaks and reaction control thruster problems pushed their return to Earth back to March 18, 2025.
After successfully launching into space, the astronauts encountered mechanical issues with their spacecraft, leading to several delays. NASA and Boeing initially announced a minimum stay of one week longer than expected, but ultimately decided to bring the crew back to Earth without them. The duo then spent an additional two months at the ISS before returning home via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
During their extended mission, the astronauts celebrated major holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, while also participating in various scientific experiments. Despite facing numerous challenges, the pair expressed optimism about the support they received from NASA and other organizations. In interviews with CNN and Fox News, Wilmore emphasized the importance of adaptability and teamwork during the crisis.
Their return marked a significant milestone for the Boeing Starliner program, which had faced multiple setbacks throughout its development. As the crew reflected on their experience, they acknowledged that while technical issues were challenging, they never felt abandoned or stranded. Instead, they credited the support of their colleagues and organizations with helping them navigate the complexities of space travel.
Source: https://people.com/stranded-astronauts-short-mission-turned-into-nearly-300-days-space-11749508