NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for several months due to technical problems with the spacecraft. Initially intended as a short mission for testing purposes, their stay on the ISS has now become significantly extended.
Due to issues with the Starliner spacecraft, including helium leaks and control thruster failures, NASA determined it would be safer to bring the spacecraft back to Earth without the astronauts. The Starliner safely landed in New Mexico on September 6, 2024, while Williams and Wilmore remained aboard the ISS.
Starliner: Purpose and Challenges
The Boeing Starliner mission was a key part of NASA’s efforts to test the spacecraft’s suitability for future human spaceflights. Its goal was to verify the spacecraft’s safety and performance while conducting scientific research aboard the ISS. However, due to technical difficulties during the mission, NASA decided not to risk the astronauts’ safety by bringing them back on the Starliner.
As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized, “Spaceflight always involves risks, especially during test missions like Starliner.” He reaffirmed that safety remains NASA’s highest priority, citing lessons learned from past tragedies like the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster.
Extended Stay Aboard the ISS
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, both highly experienced astronauts, have continued their work aboard the ISS despite the extended duration of their mission. Williams, an Indian-American astronaut, has spent a total of 322 days in space across three missions, making her one of NASA’s most seasoned astronauts. She is also renowned for setting records in spacewalks.
Wilmore, a retired US Navy Captain and veteran astronaut with two spaceflights totaling 178 days, has also adapted well to the prolonged stay. Both astronauts remain in high spirits, focusing on gathering critical data to support NASA’s long-term space exploration and human spaceflight objectives.
NASA has confirmed that Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth in early 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule instead of Boeing’s Starliner. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on September 29, 2024, and will be used to bring the astronauts, along with other crew members, back to Earth. NASA officials have stressed that the astronauts are in no immediate danger, with their safety remaining the top priority throughout the extended mission.
Social Media Misunderstandings and Viral Video
A video recently went viral on social media, falsely claiming that Sunita Williams was returning to Earth after a successful 127-day mission in space. Titled “After 127 Days of Space Tour, Ms. Sunita Williams Returns Safely to Earth,” the clip was widely shared.
However, the video is actually over a decade old and unrelated to her current mission. The original footage, uploaded by NASA to YouTube in 2012, shows Williams giving a tour of life aboard the ISS during a previous expedition. The version circulating on social media today is a shortened and edited version of the original seven-minute video.
Setting the Record Straight
NASA has confirmed that Sunita Williams is still actively participating in her current mission and will not return to Earth until 2025. Since June 2024, she has been aboard the ISS alongside fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore. The mission, which was initially scheduled to last 10 days following the docking of the Starliner spacecraft, has been extended due to technical issues with the spacecraft.
NASA officials stated, “We understand the unexpected extension is challenging, but safety remains our top priority.” Williams and Wilmore are now anticipated to spend approximately 240 days in space before their return in early 2025.
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