SpaceX capsule arrives at ISS to bring stranded NASA astronauts back to Earth

At last, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally coming home

NASA astronauts Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore, who have been stranded in space, are set to return to Earth now that the SpaceX capsule designated for their journey has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS).

Their time in space has been extended significantly; they were initially meant to spend just a few days aboard the ISS last year. However, they became trapped due to technical problems with the capsule intended for their return.

NASA astronaut speaks out

Credit: NASA

While being in space is certainly preferable to many other locations, astronauts have acknowledged that their extended time in orbit has impacted their physical well-being.

Earlier today, on March 16, a SpaceX capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station, delivering four new crew members as part of the Crew-10 mission.

This development now allows Wilmore and Williams to leave the space station alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The capsule has docked with the ISS and the astronauts can come home now (NASA)

Wilmore and Williams are not set to leave the ISS right away; they are expected to depart on Wednesday, March 19. Assuming there are no further technical issues during their return, they should be back within a week.

Upon their return, the astronauts will need to go through a rehabilitation process to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity.

A NASA representative previously informed LADbible: “All NASA astronauts on the International Space Station receive regular medical assessments, are monitored by dedicated flight surgeons, and are in good health.”

Space travel can reduce bone density and lead to muscle mass loss, so it will take some time for them to regain their peak physical condition.

Although they have exceeded the original timeline of their mission, they have not been idle; they have utilized the extra time to carry out several experiments in space.

Apparently they keep an alien mask around to scare new arrivals on the ISS (NASA)

Despite spending months in space instead of the planned few days, Wilmore and Williams will not receive overtime pay, as former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman pointed out.

She mentioned that they will receive a small amount for ‘incidentals,’ but overall, their compensation will remain the same, as it is treated like a regular work trip.

Williams previously noted that the extended absence has been particularly challenging for their families, stating, “It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably even more than for us.”

She further clarified, “We arrived ready for a longer stay, even though our initial plan was for a short one. That’s part of human space flight.

“Your nation’s human space flight program is designed to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, and we did just that.”

Thankfully it’ll soon be time to come home.Featured Image Credit: NASA