Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth after an unexpected 286-day mission in space. The two NASA astronauts originally launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, 2024, for what was planned as a brief test mission lasting just over a week. However, persistent technical issues with their spacecraft extended their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) far beyond the intended duration.
Both astronauts, who are veteran NASA members and former U.S. Navy test pilots, found themselves stranded in orbit due to multiple Starliner malfunctions. The spacecraft experienced a helium leak and thruster malfunctions, raising concerns about its ability to return safely. By September, NASA decided it was too risky to bring the capsule back with a crew on board. Instead, the agency opted to send them back via a SpaceX Dragon capsule, which was launched and docked at the ISS.
Despite the plan to bring them home, their return faced further setbacks. A scheduled relief mission to the ISS was delayed multiple times, first due to battery maintenance on the SpaceX capsule and later due to a hydraulic issue in another SpaceX vehicle. These complications led to repeated postponements, with the astronauts finally departing the ISS and splashing down off the Florida coast in March 2025.
Their extended time in orbit drew attention from political figures. In January, former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk alleged that the Biden administration deliberately delayed the astronauts’ return. However, former NASA officials and ISS commander Andreas Mogensen dismissed these claims, stating that all decisions were made with astronaut safety as the top priority. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson clarified that no political influence affected the timing of their return.
Although Williams and Wilmore spent an impressive 286 consecutive days in space, they do not hold the record for the longest ISS stay. NASA astronaut Frank Rubio holds that title, having spent 371 days in orbit. However, Sunita Williams has now secured the second position for the most cumulative days spent in space by a NASA astronaut, with a total of 608 days across multiple missions, following Peggy Whitson, who leads with 675 days.
Their safe return marks another milestone in space exploration, demonstrating the resilience of astronauts and the importance of advanced spacecraft technology in ensuring successful missions.
