NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is finally set to return home after an unplanned nine-month stay in space. Her journey, which began as an eight-day mission, turned into a long wait due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Unexpected Delay in Space
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore launched in June last year aboard Boeing’s new Starliner capsule. The mission was Starliner’s first crewed flight, but technical faults emerged upon reaching the International Space Station (ISS). Due to safety concerns, NASA decided to return the capsule without passengers, leaving Williams and Wilmore stranded.
Their return has been repeatedly delayed, as NASA awaited a safe alternative. Now, with SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission set for 12 March, their replacements will finally arrive. The returning astronauts are scheduled to depart on 19 March in an older SpaceX capsule.
Challenges of an Extended Stay
During a press conference, Williams reflected on her time in space. She shared that while the ISS offers a unique perspective, the prolonged separation from family has been difficult.
“I can’t wait to see my Labrador dogs again,” she said. This wait is more difficult for our family than it is for us. It has been like an emotional rollercoaster for them,” Williams shared.
Despite the challenges, she remains in awe of the ISS. She also disagreed with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who believes the station should be decommissioned early. “This place is in its prime. It’s not time to quit,” she said.
A Long-Awaited Return
Williams and Wilmore’s return depends on the arrival of NASA’s new crew. Astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov will replace them after spending a week together on the ISS.
NASA initially planned their return for late March or April, but the schedule was moved up. The duo will soon return, closing a long and unexpected chapter in their mission.
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