Wed Oct 16 15:22:04 UTC 2024: ## Astronaut Sunita Williams’ Space Mission Extended Due to Starliner Technical Issues
**Houston (NASA Inputs)** – American astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams, a veteran of space expeditions, will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025. Her return was originally scheduled for June 2024 but was delayed due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore launched on the Starliner on June 5th, 2024, as part of a historic first crewed flight for the spacecraft. The pair docked at the ISS the following day, but technical issues with the Starliner led NASA to decide to return it uncrewed.
Williams and Wilmore will now return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA’s Crew-9 mission, alongside astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov. The delay has extended Williams’ time on the ISS, where she has been sharing fascinating insights about life in space on social media.
The astronaut, known for her two previous space missions, has captivated viewers with videos showcasing her unique exercise routines in zero gravity, her living arrangements on the ISS, and even a humorous explanation of the space toilet.
Despite the unexpected extension, Williams has embraced her time on the ISS and shared her experiences with the world. Her return is expected to be a safe one, and her stories from space will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
First Piper 