Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space at the International Space Station received news that their return to Earth faces further delays. The two arrived at the ISS more than six months ago for an eight to 10-day voyage.
Multiple mechanical issues with the Starliner forced NASA to return the capsule without Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams in September. The astronauts stayed behind at the ISS due to safety concerns.
The SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon Capsule launched in September was supposed to return Wilmore and Williams home in February 2025.
However, NASA announced on Tuesday, Dec. 17, that they pushed back the date of SpaceX Crew-10’s February launch. Wilmore and Williams’ replacements will travel aboard the SpaceX Crew-10, which is now on track to launch no earlier than late March 2025.
SpaceX Crew-10 team reportedly needs time to “complete processing,” a debriefing on ongoing research and maintenance aboard the ISS before Williams and Wilmore can return to Earth on the Crew-9.
NASA has not revealed how long that may take.
The extended stay in space reportedly prompted concerns for the astronauts’ health. Although, other NASA astronauts have stayed on the ISS longer.
A “Twin Study” kept astronaut Scott Kelly aboard the station for 340 days from 2015-2016. Most recently, astronaut Frank Rubio became the first American to spend more than 365 straight days in space.
Kelly reported several health problems after his time in space, particularly issues with his vision and cognitive abilities.
