NASA confirms Sunita Williams’ return date, dismisses Trump’s ‘stranded’ claim

NASA has officially announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth on March 19, 2025, earlier than initially planned. Their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was due to mission adjustments, not an emergency, contrary to recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Crew-10 Delays Impact Crew-9 Return

Originally, SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission was set to launch in February 2025, but a technical issue with the new Dragon capsule caused a delay. With Crew-10 postponed to March, NASA had to adjust the return timeline for Crew-9, which includes Williams and Wilmore.

The duo has been aboard the ISS since June 2024 and will return using the Crew-9 Dragon capsule, which has been docked at the station since September 29, 2024. NASA had kept the capsule at the ISS to ensure a smooth transition between crews.

NASA and SpaceX Adjust Plans for Faster Crew Rotation

To expedite Crew-10’s launch, NASA and SpaceX decided to swap the designated Dragon capsule for the mission. This adjustment allows Crew-10 to reach the ISS earlier, paving the way for Crew-9’s return, including Williams and Wilmore.

Starliner Mission and Delays

Williams and Wilmore originally launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024, as part of its first crewed test flight. However, technical challenges, including propulsion system issues and helium leaks, repeatedly delayed their return, prompting NASA to revise its mission schedule.

Trump’s ‘Stranded’ Remark & NASA’s Response

Former President Donald Trump recently claimed that Williams and Wilmore were “stranded” in space, urging Elon Musk’s SpaceX to intervene. However, NASA dismissed the claim, reassuring the public that the astronauts were never in danger. The agency emphasized that their extended stay was purely mission-related and not an emergency.

With the revised schedule in place, NASA confirmed that Williams and Wilmore are safe and on track to return home as planned on March 19, 2025.