NASA announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, stranded in space for 80 days, will remain in orbit for another six months. They are expected to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon mission in February 2025 due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner.
NASA officials announced on August 24 that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded in space for 80 days, will remain in orbit for an additional six months. The astronauts launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5 for what was initially an eight-day mission to the International Space Station. However, the spacecraft encountered significant technical issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks, preventing its return.
Due to these complications, NASA has opted to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth aboard Elon Musk's SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 mission in February 2025. Meanwhile, the Boeing Starliner will return to Earth unmanned. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized that this decision reflects a “commitment to safety,” stating that ensuring the astronauts' well-being is the top priority.
Despite the challenges, Nelson expressed confidence in the Starliner’s future, stating that NASA is still “100 percent” certain it will launch with a crew again. The situation has raised questions about the partnership between NASA and Boeing, especially after the agency previously awarded a multi-billion dollar contract to Boeing, bypassing SpaceX. The astronauts’ extended stay highlights the risks associated with space travel and the importance of thorough safety protocols.
NASA officials have acknowledged the difficulties in making this decision, yet they maintain it is the right course of action for the safety of their crew
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