Sunita Williams' return from space delayed again – Here's why

NASA has announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Boeing Starliner in June, will now remain on the ISS until at least March 2025. Their return, initially planned for February, has been delayed due to unforeseen issues. So, why is this happening?

The Mission’s Timeline and Delays

Williams and Wilmore, aged 58 and 61, respectively, were part of the first manned test flight of Boeing’s Starliner, which launched on June 5. The mission, intended to last eight days, aimed to test the performance of the Starliner. However, the spacecraft encountered several technical issues, including leaks in the propulsion system and problems with its thrusters. Despite these glitches, the Starliner successfully reached the ISS.

Originally, the astronauts were expected to return on June 26, but after the spacecraft's issues, NASA couldn’t trust it to bring them back safely. As a result, the Starliner returned to Earth without its crew in September.

The SpaceX Solution

With the Boeing Starliner out of commission for the return journey, NASA turned to SpaceX. The Crew-9 Dragon capsule was scheduled for a mission to the ISS in February, to bring Williams and Wilmore back. However, SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, which would replace Crew-9, has now been delayed until late March 2025. As a result, Williams and Wilmore will remain aboard the ISS for a longer period than expected.

NASA decided to wait for the new Dragon spacecraft, rather than using an existing one, to ensure the safest and most efficient crew transfer. The delay allows time for the spacecraft’s fabrication, testing, and final integration. NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme Manager, Steve Stich, emphasized that the detailed process of assembling and testing the spacecraft requires careful attention.

Health Concerns and NASA’s Reassurance

Concerns about Williams’ health have arisen, as extended stays in space can have negative effects on the human body, such as bone density loss and potential issues with organs due to the zero-gravity environment. However, NASA has reassured the public that Williams and Wilmore are in good health. “All NASA astronauts aboard the ISS undergo routine medical evaluations and are closely monitored by flight surgeons,” NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell stated.

Williams, a veteran astronaut with over 517 days in space and a record 51 hours of spacewalks, is accustomed to the challenges of extended space missions. NASA’s routine medical protocols ensure the astronauts' well-being during their stay.

While the delay is frustrating for the astronauts, NASA’s focus remains on safety and ensuring that the return mission is successful. As of now, Williams and Wilmore will stay in space until March 2025, with a potential extension into April. NASA and SpaceX are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.