NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until at least March 2025 due to a delay in the SpaceX Crew-10 mission. The postponement, caused by the need to complete a new Dragon spacecraft, has extended the astronauts’ time in orbit. Initially, their rotation was expected earlier, but meticulous preparation requirements for the new spacecraft have adjusted the timeline.
Steve Stich, who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, highlighted the complexity involved in crafting and testing a Dragon capsule. He commended SpaceX for its commitment to expanding the Dragon fleet to support NASA’s growing needs. After exploring alternatives such as modifying schedules or using an existing spacecraft, NASA and SpaceX determined that delaying the Crew-10 launch was the best course of action to align with the ISS mission objectives.
Once Crew-10 arrives, Williams, Wilmore, and their fellow Crew-9 members, including Nick Hague and Roscosmos astronaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will return to Earth. The overlapping period will ensure a smooth handover for ongoing ISS operations. While aboard, the Crew-9 and Expedition 72 teams continue vital research, prepare for spacewalks, and utilize supplies delivered last month, which also included holiday provisions to boost morale.
In related news, NASA has addressed public concerns about Sunita Williams’ health after photos showed her appearing thinner. The agency assured that her condition remains stable and closely monitored. Meanwhile, NASA astronaut Don Pettit is set to return aboard the Soyuz spacecraft, marking the conclusion of Expedition 72.
Extended missions like this provide critical insights into human adaptation to long-term spaceflight, helping NASA prepare for deep-space exploration, including future Moon and Mars missions. While the delay poses challenges, it reinforces the importance of precision and safety in advancing space exploration.
