NASA Reveals Return Date of Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore: Here Is When They Will Land
Since June 2023, astronauts onboard the International Space Station have been experiencing technical problems that forced changes in their plans for returning aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Due to these ongoing technical problems, an alternate plan must now be adapted accordingly.
NASA Reveals Return Date of Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore: Here Is When They Will Land
NASA astronaut latest news: NASA and SpaceX have accelerated their crew rotation schedule in order to bring astronauts Sunita Williams return and Butch Wilmore return from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier than initially scheduled.
The astronauts are currently aboard NASA ISS crew rotation since June 2023 were originally scheduled to return aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, but technical issues forced an alteration in the plans.
NASA has confirmed that SpaceX will manage its return in the context of the crew-9 mission.
Revised timeline for launch and return
NASA astronaut mission has moved the Crew-10 launch date to 12 March for final safety inspections and the readiness of the mission. Originally scheduled for late March however, the mission has been changed to utilize SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft Endurance which has been successful in previous missions. The choice to go with the Endurance spacecraft has enabled NASA to speed up the process and allow for a faster time to complete the mission.
After Crew-10 has arrived at the Sunita Williams ISS mission the brief handover ceremony will occur prior to the departure of Crew-9. Williams, Wilmore, and their NASA Crew-9 return, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos Cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will then return to Earth.
Pressure from the political establishment for a speedier return
The long-term absence for Williams as well as Wilmore has sparked the attention of US politicians. The president Donald Trump publicly urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to prioritize their return. Musk called the situation "terrible," criticising the long-term time they've been on.
Williams as well as Wilmore were initially planned to make their return a few months ago on Boeing's Starliner that carried their bodies to ISS for the first flight of a crewed test. However, technical issues like leaks of helium, and issues with the propulsion system caused the spacecraft to remain grounded.
Without a solution in sight, NASA has opted to utilize SpaceX's Crew Dragon return the astronauts, which will ensure that astronauts return home in peace and without any further delays.
NASA astronaut schedule are currently working together to complete preparations for the launch for safety checks and reviews of mission readiness being conducted prior to the planned March launch.
