NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2024, following their launch aboard the Boeing Starliner. After an originally planned eight-day mission, Williams and Wilmore remained on the ISS for roughly nine months before returning to Earth. This article examines the reasons behind their extended stay.
Length of Astronauts’ ISS Stay
Williams and Wilmore were stationed on the ISS for approximately 286 days, from June 5, 2024, until March 18, 2025. Despite the extended duration, both astronauts maintained they did not feel stranded or trapped during a February 13, 2025, interview with CNN.
“We don’t feel abandoned. We don’t feel stuck. We don’t feel stranded,” Wilmore told CNN from the ISS. “I understand why others may think that. We come prepared. We come committed. That is what your human space flight program is. It prepares for any and all contingencies that we can conceive of, and we prepare for those. So if you’ll help us change the rhetoric, help us change the narrative, let’s change it to prepared and committed like what you’ve been hearing. That’s what we prefer.”
Williams concurred, stating, “Butch and I knew this was a test flight,” and highlighted that “we would probably find some things [malfunctioning with Starliner] and we found some stuff, and so that was not a surprise.”
Reasons for the Extended Stay
The astronauts’ return to Earth in the Boeing Starliner was prevented due to technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster problems affecting the spacecraft, according to NASA.
The scheduled return was delayed throughout 2024. While speculation arose suggesting political involvement, NASA clarified the decision to use a SpaceX aircraft for their return was due to safety, budget considerations, and a desire to keep them on the ISS.
Astronauts’ Return Date
Wilmore and Williams ultimately returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
Future Space Missions
The future of Williams and Wilmore’s space travel is currently uncertain, given their recent Earth return. However, both astronauts possess significant flight experience. Williams is among the most experienced spacewalkers, having performed nine spacewalks, in addition to serving in the U.S. Navy and as an ISS commander.
Wilmore, has served as a U.S. Navy test pilot and has completed three spaceflights.