‘Not abandoned’: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Wilmore reject ‘stranded’ label, embrace extended space stay

NASA Astronauts Address ‘Stranded’ Rumours as Extended Space Stay Continues. (Image: NASA)

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are embracing their unexpectedly long space journey. Despite media speculation, they insist they are not stranded but fully prepared for their extended stay.

A Mission Extended, Not Abandoned
Williams and Wilmore launched to the International Space Station (ISS) last June aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Their mission was supposed to last 10 days, but thruster malfunctions altered their plans. NASA and Boeing conducted investigations, deciding to return Starliner uncrewed. This led to astronaut assignment changes, placing Williams and Wilmore on SpaceX’s Crew-9 return mission.

Crew-9 arrived at the ISS in September, extending the astronauts' stay until Crew-10’s arrival. Headlines calling them "stranded astronauts" have surfaced, gaining more attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump criticised the situation. However, both astronauts dismiss these claims.

Prepared, Not Stuck
In an interview with CNN, Wilmore said they are neither abandoned nor stuck. "We come prepared and committed," he stated, adding that all ISS astronauts have emergency return options. Williams also reflected on their space experience, saying, "Floating in space never gets old."

NASA is targeting 12 March for the Crew-10 launch, with Wilmore and Williams expected to return on 19 March. The duo remains focused on their duties, with Williams even setting a record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman.