Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, NASA astronauts, have spent the past nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a significant extension from their original eight-day mission. Their unexpected stay was triggered by technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft that brought them to the ISS, causing delays in their planned return.
This Tuesday, they will embark on their journey home in a SpaceX capsule, accompanied by fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Liftoff is scheduled for 0505 GMT (0105 EDT), with splashdown projected for later in the day at 2157 GMT (1757 EDT), contingent on favorable weather conditions.
Despite their prolonged stay, both Wilmore and Williams adapted well, engaging in numerous experiments and even conducting spacewalks, during which Williams set a record for the amount of time a female astronaut has spent outside the ISS. They expressed a sense of accomplishment, sharing that even though they were described as "stranded," they always had the means to return safely in case of emergency.
As the mission comes to a close, they will undergo medical evaluations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center due to the physical challenges posed by long-duration spaceflight. After months in weightlessness, recovering from muscle atrophy and bone density loss will be paramount. However, their priority will undoubtedly be reuniting with family, eagerly anticipated after months away from home.
Their extended mission garnered further attention last month when Elon Musk claimed political reasons hampered their return, a statement NASA refuted, emphasizing logistical considerations instead. Former astronaut Garrett Reisman reiterated the careful decision-making process that governs NASA's space missions, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Once back on solid ground, both Wilmore and Williams will adjust to life back on Earth, cherishing details like fresh air and time spent with loved ones, aspects of life they missed while living in the remarkable and vast environment of space.
This Tuesday, they will embark on their journey home in a SpaceX capsule, accompanied by fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Liftoff is scheduled for 0505 GMT (0105 EDT), with splashdown projected for later in the day at 2157 GMT (1757 EDT), contingent on favorable weather conditions.
Despite their prolonged stay, both Wilmore and Williams adapted well, engaging in numerous experiments and even conducting spacewalks, during which Williams set a record for the amount of time a female astronaut has spent outside the ISS. They expressed a sense of accomplishment, sharing that even though they were described as "stranded," they always had the means to return safely in case of emergency.
As the mission comes to a close, they will undergo medical evaluations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center due to the physical challenges posed by long-duration spaceflight. After months in weightlessness, recovering from muscle atrophy and bone density loss will be paramount. However, their priority will undoubtedly be reuniting with family, eagerly anticipated after months away from home.
Their extended mission garnered further attention last month when Elon Musk claimed political reasons hampered their return, a statement NASA refuted, emphasizing logistical considerations instead. Former astronaut Garrett Reisman reiterated the careful decision-making process that governs NASA's space missions, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Once back on solid ground, both Wilmore and Williams will adjust to life back on Earth, cherishing details like fresh air and time spent with loved ones, aspects of life they missed while living in the remarkable and vast environment of space.
