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Sunita Williams to Return Soon; NASA Sets Mid-March Timeline
Washington: NASA has accelerated efforts to bring back astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues. Their return, initially planned via Boeing’s Starliner capsule by June, has now been rescheduled, with SpaceX set to bring them back by mid-March.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, Steve Stich, emphasized the challenges of human spaceflight while reaffirming NASA’s commitment to ensuring a safe return. This decision follows recent statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump and X CEO Elon Musk, both of whom urged swift action to bring the astronauts back.
NASA Adjusts Crew Flights Amid Challenges
With continued work required on the Starliner capsule, NASA has decided to send its next crew to the ISS aboard an older, proven SpaceX capsule instead of the Starliner. This mission is now scheduled for liftoff on March 12, utilizing a capsule initially assigned to a private crew awaiting launch this spring.
Williams Stays Focused on Mission
Despite the extended stay, Sunita Williams remains committed to her mission aboard the ISS. While eager to return home, she has emphasized the importance of ongoing tasks in space. She continues to contribute to vital ISS operations and NASA’s long-term objectives. Meanwhile, Crew-9 remains engaged in space activities while awaiting the arrival of Crew-10, which will take over ISS responsibilities once the current team returns to Earth.
With NASA’s revised plans in place, Wilmore and Williams are expected to conclude their extended mission in mid-March, finally returning home after an unprecedented nine-month stay in space.
