In a surprising twist, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have found themselves stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for far longer than expected. What was meant to be an eight-day mission has turned into an unexpected eight-month ordeal, with no immediate way of bringing them back to Earth. Here’s the story behind their extended stay in space and what it means for their future.

The Beginning of the Mission

On June 5, 2024, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were launched into space aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Their mission was supposed to last just eight days, during which they would dock with the ISS, complete some work, and return home. However, things quickly took a turn when technical problems began to emerge just days after their arrival.

Technical Trouble Strikes

Soon after docking, the Starliner spacecraft started experiencing a series of mechanical failures. There were multiple helium leaks, malfunctioning thrusters, and a propellant valve that refused to close. The problems only got worse, with a significant fuel leak further complicating the situation. All of these issues affected the spacecraft’s propulsion system, which is crucial for returning to Earth.

NASA attempted to set several return dates, but each time, the mission was delayed due to the ongoing technical difficulties. The NASA astronauts have been in space for much longer than planned, waiting for a resolution.

Searching for a Solution

NASA initially turned to SpaceX, the space company led by Elon Musk, to help. SpaceX has been responsible for several successful crewed missions to space, so it seemed like the perfect backup plan. However, things didn’t go smoothly on SpaceX’s end either. A malfunction during a NASA launch in Florida grounded their Falcon 9 rockets, causing further delays in rescuing the astronauts.

Life in Space for Williams and Wilmore

While stranded on the ISS, Williams and Wilmore have been adjusting to life without gravity. Over the past months, they’ve celebrated holidays, received essential supplies, and even completed maintenance work on the space station. Yet, the isolation and strain of prolonged space travel have taken a toll.

Williams shared to the NASA that she has lost the ability to walk after so much time in microgravity, saying she is struggling to remember what it feels like to walk or sit down. Additionally, they’ve had to exercise for hours each day to counteract the loss of bone density caused by their time in space.

The First Spacewalk Together

Despite the hardships, the astronauts found a sense of achievement in their work. On January 30, 2025, Williams and Wilmore ventured outside the ISS for their first spacewalk together, carrying out maintenance and cleaning the station’s exterior. It was a remarkable feat considering they had been on the ISS for nearly eight months by that point.

While they’ve adjusted to their surroundings, they are eager to return home. Williams called space her “happy place,” but both she and Wilmore have expressed their longing to be reunited with their families.

The Rescue Mission

Finally, there’s some hope on the horizon. SpaceX is now planning a NASA rescue mission to bring the astronauts back, which is scheduled for late March or early April 2025. Though it has taken months of delays, it looks like the duo will finally make it back to Earth soon.

Former President Donald Trump even got involved, urging Elon Musk to prioritize the astronauts’ return. Musk, acknowledging the situation, has committed to bringing Williams and Wilmore home as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore’s time in space has turned into an unprecedented mission extension, but their resilience and teamwork have kept them going. As the NASA rescue mission approaches, we can only hope that their journey back to Earth will be smooth and swift. The astronauts’ saga serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the challenges astronauts face in the vastness of space.