On March 14, 2025, SpaceX launched much-anticipated replacements for NASA's two stranded astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck aboard the orbital lab for nine months after their original return mission was delayed due to unforeseen technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule.
The Crew-10 mission lifted off at 7:03 PM ET from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, carrying four astronauts: NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Peskov. They are set to arrive at the ISS on March 15, where they will spend the next six months.
The launch marks the beginning of the end for Wilmore and Williams' extended stay. They were initially scheduled to return home after just eight days following their launch on June 5, 2024. Their return has been delayed multiple times due to issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster failures. NASA opted to delay their flight back on several occasions, prioritizing safety and mission integrity.
The overlapping presence of the new crew is intended to facilitate a proper handover process. The current ISS staffing must remain adequate for operations, prompting NASA to maintain Wilmore and Williams on board until Crew-10’s arrival. The duo is due to return to Earth on March 19, 2025, alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who will be returning from their own mission.
“We came prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short,” Wilmore noted, emphasizing the readiness to handle unexpected situations typical of space missions. He expressed confidence, stating, “That's what your nation’s human spaceflight program is all about—planning for unknown, unexpected contingencies. And we did just this.”
The delayed launch of Crew-10 was itself marked by last-minute technical challenges. An initial launch attempt was postponed due to issues with the rocket's hydraulic systems, but was resolved before the successful launch on March 14.
Speaking from space, McClain introduced the mission's microgravity indicator as a plush origami crane—a symbol of peace and hope. “Spaceflight is tough,” she commented, reflecting the resilience inherent among astronauts. “Humans are tougher.”
Despite the lengthy stay and concerns back on Earth, Wilmore and Williams have continued to work diligently aboard the ISS. They’ve engaged in scientific research and routine maintenance. Williams, noted for breaking the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, has logged extensive time outside the spacecraft aiding various projects.
The return of Wilmore and Williams has gained political traction, with Donald Trump and Elon Musk advocating for their swift homecoming following the prolonged stay, stirring discussions about the logistical and operational aspects of NASA’s response to their predicament. Wilmore maintained, “I did not believe NASA's decision to keep us on the ISS until Crew-10's arrival had been affected by politics.”
NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich acknowledged the pressures exerting from external influences, remarking on the challenges of coordinating operations at SpaceX’s accelerated pace. “We’re not quite as agile as they are, but we’re working well together,” he said, indicating the necessity for NASA to adapt its operational protocols to align with SpaceX's rapid operational tempo.
Wilmore and Williams' families have also felt the strain of this extended mission. Both astronauts expressed their eagerness to reunite with their loved ones upon returning home. Williams is particularly excited to see her two dogs. “It’s been hard on our families – they’ve had to cope with our extended absence,” she noted, emphasizing the emotional toll of such missions.
The situation has drawn media attention, and Wilmore and Williams intend to use their experience to raise awareness about the resilience required for long-duration missions. Williams commented, 'This mission has brought attention. There’s goods and bads to it, but I think the good part is more and more people are interested in what we’re doing'—a reflection of the intrinsic value of space exploration.
Looking ahead, the Crew-10 astronauts will be able to integrate quickly and begin their work on the ISS, with Wilmore and Williams set to pass on valuable insights and experiences of their long mission. NASA has big plans for the future of human spaceflight, and it relies heavily on its partnerships with commercial providers like SpaceX.
With this successful launch completing one chapter, Wilmore and Williams' story of resilience and adaptation showcases both the challenges of space travel and the enduring human spirit.
NASA's commitment to excellence in human spaceflight remains as strong as ever, and as launch potentials increase, everyone watches with anticipation for the next remarkable milestones to come.