Fri Sep 13 08:47:55 UTC 2024: ## NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Stay in Space for 8 Months
**Washington, D.C.** – NASA has announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended mission, returning to Earth in February 2025. This decision follows the recent successful, but troubled, return of the uncrewed Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
The astronauts were initially scheduled to return on the Starliner, but NASA opted to keep them on the ISS due to concerns about the spacecraft’s reliability. While the Starliner successfully landed after encountering several technical issues, including helium leaks, NASA officials have stated they were not certain the spacecraft would have been able to safely return with a crew on board.
“If Butch and Suni had been on board, everything would have gone smoothly,” stated Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. However, he defended the decision to keep Williams and Wilmore on the ISS, emphasizing that it was the right call in light of the uncertainties surrounding the Starliner’s capabilities.
Williams and Wilmore will continue their work on the ISS as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew. They are expected to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft alongside two other crew members assigned to the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
The extended stay marks a significant delay for the astronauts, who were originally scheduled to return in June. The delay is a setback for Boeing, which is competing with SpaceX for contracts to transport astronauts to the ISS.
The astronauts will go live tonight at 11.45 pm IST to discuss their work on the ISS, their well-being, and the extended mission. The press conference can be viewed on NASA’s official website, app, social media handles, or YouTube channel.
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