Astronaut Sunita Williams initially embarked on what was supposed to be an eight-day mission in space. Now, nearly eight months later, she and fellow astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore
Mission Delayed Due to Boeing Starliner Malfunctions
Williams and Wilmore launched toward the ISS on June 5, 2024,
aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule. However, due to helium leaks and multiple system malfunctions, the capsule was
deemed unfit for their return. While the Starliner capsule managed to return to Earth empty, NASA has since been searching for a safe way to bring the astronauts home.
Their return date has been repeatedly rescheduled, with the latest estimate pushing their journey back to late March.
Political Controversy and Elon Musk’s Response
The astronauts’ prolonged stay in space has drawn political attention. Former President Donald Trump accused the Biden administration of abandoning Williams and Wilmore, urging Elon Musk and SpaceX to intervene.
