Originally on a short-term ISS trip using Boeing’s Starliner, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will now remain until early 2025. They will work on research, spacewalks, and ISS maintenance as part of SpaceX Crew-9.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who embarked on a short mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Boeing’s Starliner crewed flight test, are now scheduled to stay in orbit until early 2025, in an unexpected change of events. Problems with their Starliner capsule have resulted in a longer journey in space, despite their initial plans for a brief visit. NASA has announced that they will be joining the SpaceX Crew-9 team, where they will be responsible for tasks including spacewalks, ISS maintenance, and scientific study and experimentation. This unanticipated extension illustrates the flexibility needed for space missions, as Williams and Wilmore are now essential members of the ISS crew.
After spending an extra six months at the International Space Station (ISS), two US astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, who arrived on Boeing’s Starliner, will depart with SpaceX. Due to Starliner thruster issues, the return had already been postponed. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that they would return in February, leaving the Starliner to fly back without a crew. “Space flight is risky even at its safest and even at its most routine,” Nelson emphasized.stating that safety considerations led to the decision to prolong their stay and return the spacecraft unmanned. “Safety is our core value,” he continued. With this revised plan, NASA and Boeing will be able to collect more data about Starliner during its early September return journey without having to take on any additional crew risks.
After reaching the ISS, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore had originally planned to fly down to Earth in about a week. However, NASA decided to prolong their mission and keep them on the ISS until early 2025 because of concerns about their Starliner capsule. They will therefore be in space for a further five to six months.