NASA Astronauts Face Extended Stay on ISS Due to Technical Delays

 

Two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June due to technical issues, will now remain in space for an additional extended period. Their mission, which was originally set to last only eight days, is now projected to stretch beyond nine months.

NASA announced this week that Williams and Wilmore, alongside Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will remain in orbit until the arrival of the Crew-10 mission next year. Initially planned for a February launch, Crew-10’s mission has been delayed, with a new target launch window set for no earlier than late March 2025.

The delay is due to the need for more time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. NASA stated that the spacecraft is expected to arrive at its processing facility in Florida in early January, giving the teams additional time to finalize preparations.

The astronauts were initially sent to the ISS in June as part of a test flight for Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to gain NASA’s approval for routine missions. However, due to multiple technical setbacks, including failed reaction control thrusters during Starliner’s first docking attempt, their return to Earth has been significantly delayed.

Despite the prolonged stay, NASA assured that the ISS is well-stocked with resupply flights recently delivered in November, ensuring that the crew has enough food, water, oxygen, and clothing to sustain them. Additionally, special holiday items were included in the resupply to help the astronauts celebrate while in orbit.

Steve Stich, director of NASA's commercial crew program, explained the reason for the extended timeline, noting that the fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a meticulous process that demands careful attention. He also commended SpaceX for their efforts in expanding the Dragon fleet and thanked the ISS crew for their continued flexibility in adapting to the delay.