Two astronauts who had been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June are finally preparing for their return to Earth, thanks to SpaceX's Crew-9 mission. Veteran astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, who originally launched on Boeing's Starliner for what was meant to be an eight-day mission, faced unexpected complications resulting from issues with the Starliner, compelling NASA to turn to SpaceX for assistance.
Launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on September 29, 2024, at 1:17 PM ET, the SpaceX Crew-9 mission was led by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Their arrival at the ISS the following evening was met with hugs from existing crew members. The Crew-9 mission aims not only to bring back Wilmore and Williams but also to conduct over 200 scientific experiments during its planned five-month stay at the station.
The backstory of the stranded astronauts adds to the intrigue of this mission. Wilmore and Williams arrived on the Starliner on June 5. Initially intended as part of a short test flight to the ISS, their stay was extended when thruster failures and helium leaks plagued the Starliner. NASA, prioritizing safety, made the tough decision to return the Starliner uncrewed earlier this month, meaning both astronauts would have to remain onboard until they could be evacuated by another crew.
During their time on the ISS, Wilmore and Williams have adapted to their unplanned extended mission. They have continued to conduct important research and experiments, contributing to the vast scientific knowledge accumulated during their stay. Wilmore has been involved with various physical science investigations, including studies on blood circulation, plant growth, and other experiments assisting scientists to understand life both on and off Earth.
Preparations for their return have been underway, with Wilmore and Williams getting accustomed to the Crew Dragon spacecraft and its systems. Earlier this week, they successfully conducted suit checks and completed seat fit tests inside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, illustrating the collaborative spirit between NASA and SpaceX, particularly as they navigate the challenges presented by the malfunctioning Starliner.
“Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and even at its most routine,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during recent statements to the press. “The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the ISS was made with their safety as our top priority. We needed to make sure they had the safest means of returning.”
While they wait for their ride home, the astronauts have remained busy with research tasks. Their stay has included educational outreach and various experiments to understand how human biology responds to long-term spaceflight. Fascinatingly, they’ve explored pressing scientific questions like how microgravity affects blood clotting, the impact of moisture on plant growth, and how visual capabilities change for astronauts over time.
The Crew-9 mission signifies not only rescue for the stranded astronauts but also the broader potential of commercial partnerships between NASA and private companies like SpaceX. The Crew Dragon, already established as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, has shown its efficacy through multiple successful missions, bringing astronauts to and from the ISS efficiently.
After Hague and Gorbunov’s planned five-month mission, all four astronauts—Wilmore, Williams, Hague, and Gorbunov—are expected to return to Earth together, aiming for landing on February 25, 2025. This mission had initially turned what could have been just another short test flight for Boeing’s Starliner project, with its hefty share of complications, to the purpose-driven mission of bringing astronauts home safely.
The dramatic narrative of Wilmore and Williams' ordeal contrasts sharply with the fast-paced world of everyday advances in space technology, underscoring the myriad challenges still faced by those daring enough to reach for the stars. With this rescue mission, the success and safety of human space travel climb to new heights as the stakes of exploration and innovation forge on.
