Astronauts Stuck in Space: A Long and Unplanned Journey

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded at the International Space Station since June 2024 due to mechanical issues. They are trying to remember basic human actions like walking and are expected to return in spring 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been living in space for over seven months, a far cry from their initial eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey began on June 5, 2024, when they launched aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. However, their return was delayed multiple times due to technical issues such as thruster failures and helium leaks.
The astronauts have been working as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew, contributing to various scientific experiments and daily operations on the ISS. Despite the challenges, they have managed to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas in space. In December 2024, NASA announced that the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule meant to take them home would not be ready for launch until late March 2025.
Williams, a Needham native, recently spoke to students from Needham High School about her experience. She shared that she is trying to remember what it’s like to walk, as she hasn’t done so in months. “I’ve been up here long enough right now I’ve been trying to remember what it’s like to walk,” she said. “I haven’t walked. I haven’t sat down. I haven’t laid down. You don’t have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are right here.”
The extended stay has been a shock for both astronauts, who initially expected to return within a month. Their situation has garnered attention from big names like Donald Trump, who asked Elon Musk to “go get” them from the space station.

1. What caused the delay in the astronauts’ return?
   The delay was caused by mechanical issues such as thruster failures and helium leaks in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
2. How long have the astronauts been in space?
   The astronauts have been in space since June 2024, which is over seven months.

3. What is the expected return date for the astronauts?
   The astronauts are expected to return to Earth in late March 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

4. What have the astronauts been doing during their extended stay?
   They have been working as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew, contributing to various scientific experiments and daily operations on the ISS.

5. How have the astronauts celebrated holidays in space?
   They have celebrated holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas in space, and even voted in the 2024 U.S. elections from space.

The prolonged stay of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore at the International Space Station highlights the complexities and challenges of space travel. Despite the technical issues and delays, the astronauts continue to contribute to scientific research and daily operations on the ISS, awaiting their return to Earth in late March 2025.