NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams are set to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule, following an unexpected delay in their mission. The two astronauts flew to the International Space Station (ISS) in June as part of a test crew for Boeing's Starliner. However, the spacecraft encountered propulsion system issues, leaving them unable to return as initially planned.
The return journey will see Wilmore and Williams travel back in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, marking a significant shift from their original mission plan. SpaceX has been the exclusive provider of transportation for NASA astronauts to the ISS since 2020. The transition comes after a technical issue with the launchpad led SpaceX to call off the flight temporarily. The new Crew-10 craft is scheduled to launch from Florida, ensuring the ISS remains adequately staffed.
Williams expressed her anticipation for the return, stating her eagerness to reunite with her family and cherished pet dogs.
"It's been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us," – Williams
Despite the challenges faced during their extended stay, Williams maintained a positive outlook on their mission.
"We're here, we have a mission – we're just doing what we do every day, and every day is interesting because we're up in space and it's a lot of fun." – Williams
The delay in bringing Wilmore and Williams back has sparked political controversy. Former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have called for an earlier return of the astronauts, an unusual intervention in NASA's human spaceflight operations. Both Trump and Musk have attributed the delayed return to former President Joe Biden, although they have not provided evidence to support these claims.
Boeing developed the Starliner under a substantial $4.5 billion contract with NASA. The capsule's initial test flight in the previous year was its first with astronauts on board, leading to NASA certifying it for routine missions. However, the current predicament has highlighted the challenges faced by Boeing in its efforts to compete with SpaceX's proven track record.
The political entanglement surrounding the astronauts' return underscores the complexities involved in space missions. It also highlights the influence of high-profile figures like Trump and Musk on space exploration endeavors.
Until the Crew-10 craft arrives at the ISS, Wilmore and Williams must remain on board to ensure there are enough U.S. astronauts available for essential maintenance tasks. The arrival of Crew-10 will facilitate their long-awaited journey home.