Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are just weeks away from returning to Earth after a nearly nine-month stay on the International Space Station. The duo was initially expected to return earlier but had their homecoming delayed due to completion time needed for a new SpaceX capsule.
Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains, have been living and working on the space station since last June when they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule. However, the mission was further complicated when the Starliner experienced numerous problems and NASA deemed it too hazardous for crewed missions.
The astronauts’ return will be accompanied by two new colleagues who are expected to launch in a used SpaceX capsule next month. The two crews will spend about a week together on the space station before Wilmore and Williams depart with their replacements, Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov.
Despite the prolonged stay, both astronauts have remained committed to the mission and have taken part in recent spacewalks, including one together in January. They expressed relief that politics did not impact their return, crediting a change in SpaceX capsules for the accelerated schedule.
When asked about Musk’s comments on potentially scrapping the space station, Williams took issue with the idea, citing ongoing scientific research being conducted at the orbiting lab. She noted that the station is currently in its prime operational phase and that it would be premature to abandon it before NASA’s projected deorbit date in 2031.
The astronauts’ return home will also mark a reunion with their families and pets, including their Labrador retrievers. Wilmore and Williams have been away from their loved ones for months, causing significant strain on their families.
With the new SpaceX capsule ready, the two astronauts are finally set to begin their journey back to Earth, wearing standard issue flight suits without their custom-made names, which were replaced due to an unplanned trip.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/nasas-stuck-astronauts-finally-closing-return-earth-after-119435131