NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore, who traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, are facing an extended stay in space. Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, the astronauts have been unable to return to Earth for nearly six months due to issues with their spacecraft, including a helium gas leak and engine malfunctions.
Repeated efforts to repair the Starliner have failed, prompting NASA to plan their return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft in February 2025. However, recent delays in preparing the new capsule have pushed their return further, with NASA now estimating the mission will take place by late March or early April 2025.
To ensure the astronauts’ safety, NASA has already sent adequate supplies to the ISS through two resupply missions, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen. Experts, including UK scientist Simeon Barber, have reassured that the extended stay will not pose significant risks to the astronauts.
Before their return, four new NASA astronauts will travel to the ISS aboard the new Dragon capsule. Williams and Willmore, along with two others, will then return to Earth on this spacecraft, marking the completion of their unexpectedly prolonged mission.
