Former US President Donald Trump has urged SpaceX founder Elon Musk to assist in bringing back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). The two astronauts have been aboard the ISS since June 2024, well beyond their originally planned mission duration.
Musk, responding to Trump’s call, criticised the previous Biden administration for the prolonged delay, stating it was “terrible” that the astronauts were left on the ISS for so long. He confirmed that SpaceX would ensure their safe return.
Musk promises swift action
Taking to his social media platform X, Musk posted: “The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so.” He further expressed his discontent over the delay, blaming the Biden administration for the situation.
On his platform, Truth Social, Trump reassured the public that SpaceX would soon embark on the mission. “Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck, Elon!” he wrote, though he did not specify a timeline for the operation.
Despite the growing political debate, NASA has maintained that astronauts are not actually stranded. The space agency has emphasised that Williams and Wilmore remain in good health and high spirits while awaiting their return.
The Starliner mission setbacks
Williams and Wilmore initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 for what was meant to be a short 10-day mission. However, technical failures forced an indefinite extension of their stay. After assessing the risks, NASA deemed the Starliner unfit for their return.
In August 2024, NASA enlisted SpaceX to bring the astronauts home via the Crew-9 mission. The agency adjusted the mission by removing two astronauts initially scheduled to launch in September to accommodate Williams and Wilmore. They were expected to return by February 2025.
Further delays and a possible early return
In December 2024, SpaceX required additional time to prepare for the upcoming Crew-10 mission, leading to further postponements. This pushed the Crew-9 return mission to late March 2025. However, Musk’s latest announcement suggests that the Crew Dragon capsule, ‘Freedom,’ may now leave the ISS earlier than planned, expediting the astronauts’ return.
Sunita Williams awaits earth’s gravity
Meanwhile, Sunita Williams, 59, has expressed her anticipation of returning to Earth, sharing her unique experience aboard the ISS. Speaking to People Magazine, she said, “I’ve been up here long enough that I’m trying to remember what it’s like to walk. I haven’t walked, sat down, or laid down. You don’t have to—you can just float where you are.”
With Musk’s confirmation of SpaceX’s involvement, all eyes are now on NASA and SpaceX to ensure a safe return for the astronauts.
