Tue Feb 18 21:02:08 UTC 2025: ## NASA Astronauts Dismiss “Stranded” Rumors, Return Planned for March
**Houston, TX** – NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, whose ISS mission was unexpectedly extended, have dismissed reports suggesting they were stranded in space. The astronauts, aboard the International Space Station since June 2024, were initially scheduled for a ten-day mission but experienced delays due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
The Starliner encountered thruster malfunctions during docking procedures, necessitating a thorough investigation and a revised return plan. Williams and Wilmore will now return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, launching in March 2025. This aligns their return with the standard six-month ISS rotation schedule. The delay involved securing a replacement Crew Dragon capsule.
In interviews, both astronauts emphasized that the extended stay was a planned adjustment, not an emergency. Wilmore specifically stated they felt neither abandoned nor stranded, highlighting the availability of emergency return options for all ISS crew members. Williams added that the extended time allowed them to continue their research and mission objectives.
NASA plans to launch Crew-10 on March 12th, 2025, with Crew-9’s return anticipated a week later. The agency maintains that the situation is under control and that both astronauts remain committed to completing their research.
First Piper 