The replacements for NASA’s two stranded astronauts were successfully launched to the International Space Station on Friday night, signaling the anticipated return of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams after a challenging nine-month wait. SpaceX is tasked with delivering this relief team to the space station before the pair can be relieved of their duties. The new crew is expected to arrive late Saturday night to ensure a smooth transition and brief Wilmore and Williams on the station’s activities. Following this, plans are in place for their undocking next week and a safe splashdown off the Florida coast, weather permitting.
The returning duo will be accompanied by astronauts who were part of a rescue mission on SpaceX last September, with two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams on the return journey. The current crew, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, comprises NASA’s Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, both military pilots, along with Japan’s Takuya Onishi and Russia’s Kirill Peskov, both former airline pilots. They are scheduled to spend the next six months at the space station, a standard mission duration, taking over from Wilmore and Williams.
Reflecting on the challenges of space travel, McClain remarked, “Spaceflight is tough, but humans are tougher,” early into the journey. Originally slated for a shorter mission as test pilots for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, unforeseen technical issues prolonged Wilmore and Williams’ stay, necessitating a switch to a SpaceX flight. This unexpected extension garnered global attention, particularly after President Donald Trump and SpaceX’s Elon Musk pledged to expedite the astronauts’ return.
Despite facing numerous setbacks, Wilmore and Williams have remained steadfast in supporting NASA’s decisions throughout the ordeal. Their extended mission, marked by a record-breaking number of spacewalks by Williams, has been a test of resilience not just for them but also for their families eagerly awaiting their return. As they look forward to reuniting with loved ones and resuming normal life activities, Wilmore and Williams express gratitude for the widespread support received during this unprecedented journey.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department is grateful for the support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in our endeavors related to space exploration. The AP retains full responsibility for all content produced.
