On March 14, 2025, NASA and SpaceX are set to launch a spacecraft with the primary mission of returning two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly nine months. The anticipated launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, will take place at 23:03 GMT, marking the latest attempt to bring the two seasoned astronauts home after what was originally intended to be just an eight-day mission.
Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on June 6, 2024. They expected to be back on Earth shortly after for what was supposed to be a brief stay, but soon after their arrival, technical issues associated with Starliner emerged. The spacecraft suffered from propulsion system faults and helium tank problems, requiring NASA to determine it was safer for the astronauts to remain aboard the ISS rather than risk their lives by attempting to return on the malfunctioning spacecraft.
Despite the extended duration of their mission, both astronauts have remained active. During their time aboard the ISS, they've conducted various scientific experiments and participated in daily operations. But as March 14 approaches, memories of their planned return grow more vivid.
The timeline for their return has seen several setbacks. Originally scheduled for lift-off on March 12, 2025, the launch was abruptly canceled about 45 minutes before takeoff due to alarming reports of issues with the spacecraft's hydraulic system for the grappling arm. NASA confirmed shortly after, stating, "All was well with the rocket and the spacecraft itself," putting the focus on the hydraulic problem as the root of the last-minute delay.
Now, as the new launch date approaches, hopes are high. Wilmore stated, "We had prepared ourselves to stay long, even if we didn’t think we would have to stay this long," reflecting on the extensive training they underwent for unexpected situations. Their ordeal, now enduring more than 35 times longer than planned, adds to the gravity of their experience. While he remains optimistic, the reality of returning home has been anything but linear.
Adding to the drama are the political tensions surrounding the astronauts' prolonged stay. Former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have criticized the Biden administration, accusing them of abandoning the astronauts to their fate. Musk claimed on social media platforms recently, "We could have brought them home long ago; it's the administration's decisions keeping them up there."
The upcoming launch also carries significant international collaboration. The new crew, which includes two NASA astronauts, Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, is expected to perform various scientific experiments upon their arrival at the ISS. Despite geopolitical tensions, such collaborations have persisted through space missions, underscoring the spirit of cooperation between nations even amid conflict.
Wilmore and Williams are slated to return alongside previously stationed astronauts, Nick Hague from NASA and Alexandre Gorbounov from Russia, once the handover period concludes between the incoming Crew-10 members and the existing Crew-9 stationed on the ISS.
Importantly, their experience, albeit lengthy, has not set the record for the longest space stay. Astronaut Frank Rubio holds this distinction, having spent 371 days aboard the ISS due to unforeseen circumstances, comparing their ordeal to the unpredictable nature of space missions. Nonetheless, it has been significantly challenging for both Wilmore and Williams, having waited and trained extensively for unexpected situations.
The upcoming launch aims to solidify their return to Earth, and as the countdown begins, both astronauts and the broader community await news of success after a harrowing period marked by uncertainty and perseverance. Each moment until the rocket successfully launches is filled with both anxiety and hope as they prepare to finally set foot back on home soil after months locked inside the confines of the ISS.