Two astronauts spent significantly more time on the space station than planned due to unforeseen mission disruptions. The decision-making process behind their delayed return drew widespread attention. Newly revealed images provide a first glimpse into their long-awaited homecoming.
Two NASA astronauts planned for a brief stay in orbit, but an unexpected turn of events left them stranded for months. A series of complications caused delays as the agency carefully considered its limited options for their return.
Public concern mounted as images from space and statements from key figures highlighted their predicament. Now that they’ve returned, the full story of what happened—and why—is finally coming to light.
A Brief Mission Extends Into Months in Space
On June 5, 2024, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule for what was meant to be a short test flight to the International Space Station. Originally planned to last just over a week, the mission quickly ran into unexpected technical challenges.
During the journey to the space station, the Starliner capsule suffered helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, sparking concerns about its ability to return safely. NASA and Boeing spent months investigating the issues, carefully evaluating whether the malfunctions could pose risks during reentry.
As the situation developed, it became evident that the risks were too high. By September 2024, NASA opted to bring the Starliner capsule back to Earth without any crew, leaving Wilmore and Williams aboard the space station without a designated return vehicle.
Originally set for a short mission, the astronauts now faced an indefinite stay in orbit as engineers worked to troubleshoot the issues and explore alternative options for their safe return.
Astronauts Adapt to Extended Mission on the ISS
With no immediate way home, Wilmore and Williams quickly shifted from short-term visitors to integral members of the station crew. Their prior experience aboard the ISS, combined with pre-launch refresher training, enabled them to adapt seamlessly to the demands of an extended mission.
During their prolonged stay, they took on various responsibilities, including conducting scientific experiments, performing equipment maintenance, and participating in spacewalks. Over the course of nine missions, Williams logged a total of 62 hours outside the station, setting a record for the most time spent spacewalking by a female astronaut.
Three months into the mission, Williams was appointed commander of the space station, a role she held until March 2025. While both astronauts remained dedicated to their tasks, the extended duration of their mission had a significant impact on their personal lives.
Wilmore missed much of his younger daughter’s senior year of high school, while his older daughter attended college. His wife, Deanna, took charge of managing their household in his absence. Meanwhile, Williams’ husband, Mike, looked after their two Labrador retrievers, while she stayed connected with her family through internet calls from space.
NASA Considers Options as Public Pressure Intensifies
As the months went by, NASA collaborated with SpaceX to explore possible ways to bring Wilmore and Williams back sooner than initially planned. SpaceX proposed several contingency options, such as modifying existing missions or utilizing alternative seating arrangements in the mid-deck of the Dragon capsule.
However, these options were quickly dismissed due to budget limitations and the need to maintain a full crew aboard the ISS to support ongoing operations. Ultimately, NASA decided to make the most of Wilmore and Williams’ extended stay, integrating them into the long-term mission while planning for a delayed yet safe return.
The decision to extend the astronauts’ stay garnered increasing attention as their mission stretched into early 2025. In late January 2025, the situation became a national topic after Donald Trump and Elon Musk discussed the delay during a joint televised interview.
Musk remarked, “We are accelerating the return of the astronauts, which was postponed kind of to a ridiculous degree.” Trump added, “They got left in space,” blaming the delay on the Joe Biden administration. Musk also suggested the astronauts were kept in space for “political reasons, which is not good.”
At the time of the interview, the replacement SpaceX capsule was not yet prepared for flight. To expedite the process, SpaceX provided a previously used Dragon capsule, helping to accelerate the mission timeline by several weeks.
Despite the growing political attention, Wilmore and Williams maintained a neutral public stance, consistently expressing support for NASA’s decisions during their appearances from orbit.
The Plan for the Astronauts’ Rescue Begins to Form
NASA and SpaceX devised a plan to bring Wilmore and Williams back aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule as part of the Crew-9 mission. This mission, which launched in September 2024, carried astronaut Nick Hague, Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, and two empty seats reserved for the stranded astronauts.
During a NASA press briefing, agency officials explained that this solution allowed Wilmore and Williams to continue supporting the ISS mission while ensuring a safe and coordinated return.
Ken Bowersox, Associate Administrator of the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, and Bill Gerstenmaier, Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability at SpaceX, were both present during the briefing.
They stated, “It was our pleasure to figure out a creative way to support NASA and to keep the mission of the space station — pushing science and commercializing space — at the forefront for this nation to keep us a leader in space.”
With the Crew-9 team’s arrival at the ISS in early March 2025, final preparations were made for the astronauts’ departure. The plan called for a pre-dawn undocking and a splashdown near the Florida coast, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
Departure, Splashdown, and First Images Released
On March 11, 2025, Wilmore, Williams, Hague, and Gorbunov left the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. The spacecraft undocked at 1 a.m. Eastern, marking the beginning of their journey home nearly 300 days after Wilmore and Williams had first arrived.
Splashdown was scheduled for 6 p.m. off the Florida coast, contingent on favorable weather conditions. NASA authorized their early departure after reviewing the week’s uncertain weather forecast, ensuring a safe return window.
As the capsule drifted away from the station, NASA astronaut Anne McClain sent a heartfelt message from orbit, saying, “We’ll miss you, but have a great journey home.” This moment took place approximately 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean, marking the final leg of a mission that had captured worldwide attention.
Shortly after splashdown, the first photos of the astronauts were released, showing Wilmore and Williams aboard the SpaceX recovery ship. These images, capturing their safe return after months in space, quickly spread online and sparked a range of public reactions.
Many expressed relief and support, with one user writing, “Prayers for your safe return.” Others voiced frustration over the delays, with one comment reading, “This is disgraceful. These two astronauts should sue when they get back to earth.”
Some viewers speculated about the astronauts’ close working relationship, commenting, “They will make a great couple; they seem to get along very well.” The overall sentiment was one of urgency and concern, with several simply stating, “Get them home.”
Life After Orbit and Starliner’s Uncertain Future
With their mission complete, Wilmore and Williams were eager to reunite with their families and return to their routines on Earth. Wilmore, who serves as an elder at his Baptist church, expressed excitement about returning to in-person ministry and enjoying simple pleasures, like the smell of fresh-cut grass.
While in orbit, Wilmore stayed connected with his congregation through prayer services and phone calls, utilizing the space station’s internet capabilities. Williams, on the other hand, planned to take long walks with her two Labrador retrievers and enjoy swimming in the ocean once she was back on Earth.
Throughout her time in space, Williams stayed in touch with her husband, Mike, a retired federal marshal, and her mother, who she mentioned worried about her during the mission.
NASA officials confirmed that no special medical protocols were needed for the astronauts, as others had spent even longer in space without experiencing complications.
As for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, its future remains uncertain. After helium leaks and thruster malfunctions halted its crewed mission in 2024, the spacecraft was returned to Earth without its passengers. Investigations into the technical issues are still ongoing.
There is no confirmed timeline for when the Starliner will carry astronauts again, whether for crewed missions or cargo. NASA continues to support its decision to partner with two U.S. companies—Boeing and SpaceX—for astronaut transport.
This strategy is designed to ensure redundancy and flexibility until the International Space Station is retired in 2030. After that, NASA plans to transition to privately operated space stations.
A Mission Redefined by Setbacks, Solutions, and Safe Return
Wilmore and Williams’ extended mission underscored the challenges and complexities of modern spaceflight. What started as a brief test flight evolved into a high-profile operation marked by technical setbacks, evolving plans, and intense public attention.
Their safe return marked the conclusion of a mission that tested both the flexibility of NASA’s partnerships and the resilience of its astronauts. As focus shifts to the outcome of Boeing’s Starliner investigation, their experience serves as a powerful reminder of the uncertainties that still surround human space exploration.
