Sunita Williams delayed Return: What kept NASA astronauts in Space?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally returning to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay on the ISS. They will land in a SpaceX capsule off Florida’s coast on Tuesday evening, weather permitting.
Originally, NASA planned for them to stay only eight days after launching on Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5. However, technical failures extended their mission. The capsule experienced thruster malfunctions due to deformed Teflon seals. NASA deemed it unsafe for their return and sent it back empty.
Compounding delays, SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, which was supposed to replace them, faced repeated postponements. NASA eventually swapped in a used SpaceX capsule to expedite their homecoming. Their long wait captured global attention, with some falsely accusing the Biden administration of abandoning them. Williams and Wilmore dismissed these claims.
During their extended stay, the astronauts transitioned into full-time ISS crew members. They conducted experiments, repaired equipment, and even performed spacewalks. Williams set a new record for female astronauts with 62 hours over nine spacewalks. She also became ISS commander three months into their mission, holding the position until recently.
On Sunday, their replacements arrived, allowing them to depart. NASA chose an early return due to an uncertain weather forecast. Their mission, once intended as a short test, turned into a record-setting experience, testing both their skills and patience in space.
