March 18, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
After spending nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally returning to Earth. Their mission, initially scheduled to last six months, was extended due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The delay sparked controversy, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump accusing the Biden administration of prolonging the astronauts’ stay for “political reasons.” Here’s everything you need to know about their return and how to watch the historic event.
Key Facts About the Mission
- Astronauts Returning: Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams, Nick Hague (NASA), and Aleksandr Gorbunov (Roscosmos).
- Departure from ISS: The astronauts departed the ISS at approximately 1:05 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
- Return Vehicle: SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
- Splashdown Location: Off the coast of Florida, expected before 6 p.m. EDT, weather permitting.
- Live Coverage: NASA will broadcast the splashdown on NASA+ starting at 4:45 p.m. EDT. SpaceX will also livestream the event on its website and X (formerly Twitter) account, beginning at 4:57 p.m. EDT.
Why Was the Mission Delayed?
Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, their return was postponed after NASA discovered helium leaks and thruster issues with the Starliner. This forced the astronauts to rely on SpaceX’s Dragon capsule for their journey back to Earth.
- Extended Stay: The astronauts spent approximately 285 days in space, far exceeding the original six-month mission duration.
- Crew Rotation: SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, launched last week, brought new astronauts to the ISS, including Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi (Japan), and Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos).
Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s Controversial Claims
The delay in returning Wilmore and Williams to Earth became a political flashpoint. Both Elon Musk and Donald Trump accused the Biden administration of intentionally prolonging the mission for “political reasons.”
- Trump’s Statements: Trump claimed he spoke with acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro, who allegedly agreed to expedite the astronauts’ return. He also suggested that the Biden administration had “shamefully forgotten” about the astronauts and even asked Musk to “go up and get them.”
- Musk’s Comments: Musk echoed Trump’s claims, stating that the return flight was “postponed to a ridiculous degree” due to political motives.
Despite these allegations, NASA officials maintained that the delay was due to technical and safety concerns, not political interference.
Were the Astronauts Really “Abandoned”?
Both Wilmore and Williams have denied claims that they were “stranded” or “abandoned” on the ISS.
- Williams’ Response: “I don’t think those words are quite accurate… We are part of something bigger than ourselves, we are part of the International Space Station.”
- Wilmore’s Statement: “It’s been trying at times, no doubt. But stranded? No. Stuck? No. Abandoned? No.”
The astronauts emphasized their commitment to the mission and the importance of the ISS as a symbol of international collaboration.
How to Watch the Splashdown
NASA and SpaceX will provide comprehensive coverage of the astronauts’ return. Here’s how you can
tune in:
- NASA+: Coverage begins at 4:45 p.m. EDT.
- SpaceX Livestream: Available on the company’s website and X account, starting at 4:57 p.m. EDT.
- Live Tracker: SpaceX will host a live tracker of the Dragon capsule’s return flight before the livestream begins.
What’s Next for NASA and SpaceX?
The successful return of Wilmore and Williams marks another milestone for NASA’s partnership with SpaceX. Future missions are already in the works, including:
- Crew-11: Scheduled to launch to the ISS no earlier than July 2025.
- Boeing’s Starliner: Despite the recent setbacks, NASA remains committed to certifying Boeing’s spacecraft for future crewed missions.
Conclusion
The return of Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams, and their crewmates is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of NASA and its partners. While the mission faced unexpected challenges and political controversies, it ultimately highlights the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. Don’t miss the chance to witness this historic event as the astronauts make their triumphant return to Earth.
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