Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been seemingly stuck in the International Space Station (ISS) for 80 days, are expected to return to Earth in February 2025. The two astronauts flew to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5. They were scheduled to return on June 14, but technical faults have prolonged their stay on the space station.
Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, told a news conference that the space agency’s decision to keen Suni and Butch aboard the ISS and bring the Boeing Starliner home unscrewed reflects their commitment to safety.
Steve Stich, a program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said there was too much risk about the vehicle’s thrusters, meaning too much risk for the crew as well.
Boeing added they are working on the mission with NASA and are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful unscrewed return. Meanwhile, Suni and Butch are assisting with science experiments, maintenance, and some spacewalks too.
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Sunita Williams Spent Six Months On ISS
This isn’t Williams’s first lengthy space stay. Nearly two decades ago in December 2006, the retired US Navy officer was launched to the International Space Station aboard Shuttle Discovery to join the Expedition 14 crew. Williams, 58, completed three spacewalks, and in 2007 she shattered the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman.
Moreover, in September 2012, she emerged as the first person to achieve, do a triathlon in space. Over the years, she achieved more feats. Including being one of the first astronauts for US Commercial spaceflights. Williams has also worked with Boeing and Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
