It’s been nearly nine months since astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on their journey to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Starliner in June 2024. Now, they’re finally heading back to Earth, although their return is being made on a SpaceX vessel, accompanied by Nic Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, rather than the original plan. This unusual arrangement has raised questions, but neither NASA, Boeing, nor SpaceX wants to label it a “rescue mission.” As we follow the story of Wilmore and Williams’ extended stay in space, it’s essential to understand the challenges they faced and how their experience reflects the complexities of space travel.
The Challenges Faced by the Starliner Mission
The problems with the Starliner mission began even before liftoff, with the launch being delayed twice. Initially, the mission was supposed to last just over a week, but the spacecraft encountered numerous issues, including faulty thrusters and helium leaks. Steve Stich, the program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, explained that they believed there was an underlying issue causing the thrusters to fail, but the exact reason was still unknown. This uncertainty led Boeing, the owner of the Starliner, to decide that the spacecraft should return to Earth without the astronauts on board, ensuring that any potential risks were mitigated.
Life on the International Space Station
Despite the initial plan for a short mission, Wilmore and Williams had to adapt to the routines of the ISS, where they lived alongside other astronauts. The ISS operates on a unique schedule, with the station completing one orbit of the Earth every 10 minutes, which means the astronauts don’t experience traditional day-night cycles. To cope with the microgravity environment, they had to exercise regularly to prevent muscle atrophy. However, the ISS is well-equipped to support extended stays, with ample food supplies and communication systems that allowed the astronauts to stay in touch with their families.
A Misunderstood Situation
The prolonged delay in Wilmore and Williams’ return has been a point of contention among scientists, NASA officials, and the companies involved, Boeing and SpaceX. Despite repeated denials that the astronauts were “stranded” or on a “rescue mission,” the situation has sparked political debate. Elon Musk, now at the helm of the Department of Governmental Efficiency, called for a rapid rescue mission, while former President Donald Trump accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of abandoning the astronauts. However, Williams has consistently stated that she doesn’t feel trapped in space and is simply doing her job, awaiting a safe return.
The Return Journey
In recent days, a SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts – Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov – successfully docked with the ISS, relieving Williams and Wilmore, as well as two other crew members. The NASA and SpaceX teams have been closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe return for the astronauts. The return journey is scheduled to unfold as follows:
- 06:05h: The spacecraft successfully undocked from the ISS
- 21:45h: NASA began live coverage of the mission’s return
- 22:11h: The de-orbiting process is expected to start
- 22:57h: The spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Florida sea
Upon their return, the astronauts will splash down in the Florida sea aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Following this, SpaceX plans to begin receiving crews in the Pacific Ocean as an alternative to the Florida sea, marking a new chapter in space travel and exploration.