US President Donald Trump has reached out to SpaceX founder Elon Musk for help in facilitating the return of two American astronauts—Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore—who’ve been aboard the Worldwide House Station (ISS) since June 2024. The astronauts, who initially deliberate for a 10-day mission, have remained in area because of technical difficulties with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was initially designated for his or her return. Musk confirmed that SpaceX would undertake the mission, stating that the astronauts had been left aboard the ISS for an prolonged interval by the earlier administration of President Joe Biden.
Mission issues and NASA’s response
In keeping with reviews, NASA had already enlisted SpaceX months in the past to facilitate the return of Williams and Wilmore as a part of the Crew-9 mission. The unique plan concerned launching 4 astronauts aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, however changes have been made to accommodate the 2 astronauts. As a substitute, just one astronaut and one cosmonaut have been despatched in September 2024, leaving area for Williams and Wilmore’s return.
Nonetheless, a delay occurred in December 2024 when SpaceX required extra time to arrange the Dragon capsule for the upcoming Crew-10 mission. Because of this, Crew-9, which included Williams and Wilmore, was postponed till late March 2025. Regardless of considerations about their extended keep, NASA has maintained that the astronauts are in good well being and spirits and usually are not stranded.
Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s statements
Elon Musk, in a put up on X, said that SpaceX had been requested to expedite the return of the astronauts and that preparations have been being made. He criticised the Biden administration, describing the delay as avoidable. On Reality Social, Donald Trump commented that SpaceX can be conducting the mission quickly and wished Musk success, although no particular timeline was offered.
Sunita Williams speaks about her prolonged keep
As reported, Sunita Williams, aged 59, described adjusting to microgravity for such an prolonged interval. She talked about that she was attempting to recall the sensation of strolling, as she had not finished so in a number of months. Regardless of the delay, she confirmed that she remained in good well being whereas awaiting the return mission.
