NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, unexpectedly spending Christmas aboard the International Space Station (ISS), have sparked a frenzy of online conspiracy theories after sharing a festive photo from orbit.

NASA's Christmas photos from the ISS sparked theories. Credit: NASA/Instagram/@nasajohnson

A Holiday Far From Home

The two astronauts, originally scheduled for an eight-day mission in June, have been stuck aboard the ISS since technical problems grounded their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. With no clear timeline for their return, Williams and Wilmore made the best of their extended stay, celebrating Christmas far above Earth.

On December 16, NASA’s Johnson Space Center shared a holiday photo on Instagram featuring Williams in a Santa hat next to fellow astronaut Don Pettit. The caption, lightheartedly reading, “Another day, another sleigh,” described the duo enjoying some holiday cheer inside the ISS’s Columbus laboratory module.

The astronauts celebrated Christmas on the ISS. Credit: X/Nick Hague

Social Media Buzz

The post quickly gained traction, but not everyone was convinced by the cheerful scene.

One Instagram user questioned, “How do they have Christmas hats for a mission planned back in June?”
Another skeptically added, “So we’re supposed to believe NASA packed Santa hats for an eight-day trip?”

Some went even further, suggesting the photo was staged on Earth:

“This is all a Hollywood production,” one user wrote.

“Christmas in the studio,” another commenter joked.

The Real Explanation

Despite the online theories, NASA provided a simple and practical explanation.

Astronaut Nick Hague shared photos from Christmas aboard the ISS. Credit: X/Nick Hague

The festive props, including Santa hats, a tiny Christmas tree, and holiday meals, were part of a SpaceX resupply mission delivered in late November. These regular shipments ensure the ISS is stocked with scientific supplies, equipment, and occasional holiday-themed items to lift the crew’s spirits.

The holiday shipment included traditional Christmas fare such as ham, turkey, potatoes, vegetables, pies, and cookies, alongside decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

Astronauts Share Holiday Joy

In a holiday video message, Williams shared her excitement:

“It’s a great time up here. We get to spend it with our ‘family’ on the International Space Station.”

She reflected on the joy of holiday preparation, saying:

“One of the best things about Christmas is the anticipation and everybody getting together to prepare for the holiday.”

Williams is no stranger to celebrating Christmas in space, having done so during a mission in 2006.

pic.twitter.com/ogRxaggJum 🎄 Greetings from the @Space_Station! 🌍✨ Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and wonder. May your holidays shine as brightly as the stars!
— NASA Astronauts (@NASA_Astronauts) December 23, 2024

Stranded Until March

Williams and Wilmore’s extended stay is due to multiple issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, including thruster malfunctions. NASA decided to return the capsule unmanned, leaving the pair reliant on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for their return trip.

Initially planned for early February, their return has now been delayed to late March.

Finding Festivity in Orbit

Despite their prolonged mission, the astronauts remain positive, making the most of their time on the ISS. As conspiracy theories swirl online, the reality is far more grounded: a dedicated team of astronauts spreading cheer and camaraderie 400 kilometers above Earth.