NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set to return home after a prolonged stay in space. Their eight-day mission turned into an eight-month ordeal due to issues with Boeing's Starliner. However, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk now claims the delay was unnecessary and politically motivated.
Musk Blames White House for Delay
Musk alleged that the Biden administration blocked SpaceX from launching a rescue mission months ago. He claimed SpaceX could have sent a Crew Dragon spacecraft to retrieve them six months earlier. "The White House refused to allow it, not NASA," Musk posted on X.
The astronauts launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on 6 June 2024, but technical problems made it unsafe for reentry. With the Starliner grounded, NASA arranged for them to return on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon after the arrival of the Crew-10 mission.
Musk also credited former President Donald Trump for advocating their return. "Trump pushed for their immediate retrieval," he said.
Wilmore Dismisses Political Angle
Despite Musk’s statements, Wilmore downplayed any political interference. During a press conference from the ISS, he stated, "Politics is not a factor in this at all." He explained that extended missions are common in spaceflight, requiring backup plans.
When asked about Musk’s claim that SpaceX could have rescued them earlier, Wilmore carefully responded, "What Mr. Musk says is factual." However, he admitted they were unaware of any direct rescue offers.
Return Mission Set for March
Williams and Wilmore will return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon after the Crew-10 launch on 12 March. They will take the seats left vacant by Crew-9 astronauts departing the ISS.
Reflecting on their extended stay, Wilmore described it as "amazing" and an opportunity to train on different spacecraft. Williams shared her excitement about returning, saying, "Coming home in the spacecraft will be a new chapter."
Their return marks the conclusion of a mission that raised questions about NASA’s reliance on commercial partners, Boeing’s Starliner safety, and the influence of politics in space decisions.
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