SpaceX to bring back Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore after Trump’s request, says Elon Musk

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been in space for far longer than expected. The two astronauts were originally launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Their mission was supposed to last only eight days. However, due to a propulsion leak in the spacecraft, their mission unexpectedly turned into a much longer stay. As of January 2025, they are still aboard the ISS, much longer than planned.

The situation caught the attention of many, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent post on X. According to Musk, former President Donald Trump reached out to SpaceX to help bring the astronauts home. Musk, known for his bold statements, criticized the current Biden administration for the delay in bringing the astronauts back. In his post, he stated that Trump had asked SpaceX to bring Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore back from the ISS as soon as possible, and Musk confirmed that his company would do so.

The response from NASA

While Musk’s post has stirred up some controversy, NASA has consistently stated that the astronauts are not stranded. They clarified that Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are safe, healthy, and in good spirits. NASA reassured the public that both astronauts are well taken care of aboard the ISS and that their extended stay is due to technical issues with the spacecraft, not due to any safety concerns.

NASA and Boeing, the company that made the Starliner spacecraft, have been working together to fix the propulsion leak that has delayed the astronauts' return. Reports suggest that engineers are focused on resolving the issue before the astronauts can safely return to Earth.

Elon Musk’s post, which drew attention from many, came at a time when the astronauts' extended stay had raised questions. The delay in their return has been unusual, especially since NASA originally planned for their stay to be short. Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were supposed to return after just eight days, but technical issues prevented that.

In his X post, Musk didn’t just focus on the astronauts’ situation. He also used the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration. According to Musk, the delay in getting the astronauts back was due to the current government’s lack of action. He called it “terrible” that the astronauts were left on the ISS for so long, implying that the government should have acted sooner to resolve the issue.

While SpaceX has the capability to help with their return, the situation is complicated. NASA has to make sure that the spacecraft is safe for re-entry and that the astronauts can return without any issues. Musk’s comments about the delay and his willingness to assist highlight the challenges that come with managing space missions and the risks involved.

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Why are they still in Space?

The primary reason for Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore's extended stay on the ISS is the issue with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The spacecraft experienced a propulsion leak, which delayed its return trip to Earth. Propulsion systems are critical in space travel, as they control the spacecraft’s movements, including its ability to return to Earth.

NASA and Boeing have been working on solving the problem. Engineers are investigating the leak and developing solutions to ensure the spacecraft is fully functional before it can bring the astronauts home. Until then, the astronauts are remaining aboard the ISS, where they continue their research and other duties while they wait for the spacecraft’s systems to be fixed.

The situation is an unusual one, as astronauts usually return within a few days after completing their missions. However, this delay has highlighted the importance of safety in space travel. Both NASA and SpaceX are working together to ensure that the astronauts can return safely and that any technical issues are resolved before re-entry.

SpaceX has played a significant role in space travel in recent years. The company has been working closely with NASA to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is used for these missions, and the company has made significant progress in making space travel more accessible and reliable. However, the situation with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft is different, as SpaceX is not directly involved in the mission of Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore.

Still, Musk’s statement about SpaceX helping bring the astronauts home has drawn attention. While SpaceX has not yet been directly involved in resolving the issue with the Starliner spacecraft, the company’s success in the past may lead to a quick resolution. Musk’s willingness to offer help demonstrates the company’s commitment to space exploration and support for NASA’s missions.

As of now, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore remain aboard the ISS. They continue their work on the station, conducting experiments and assisting with the ongoing research in space. Despite the delay, both astronauts are reportedly in good health and spirits, and they are waiting for the necessary repairs to be completed before they can return home.

NASA has stated that the astronauts will return as soon as it is safe to do so. The agency has reassured the public that their safety is a top priority and that efforts are being made to resolve the technical issues with the spacecraft.

The situation has brought attention to the complexities of space travel. Although space missions are often planned for specific timeframes, unforeseen issues, like the propulsion leak, can cause delays. NASA’s careful handling of the situation is a reminder of the many factors that need to be considered when managing space missions.

SpaceX’s involvement in the situation, along with Elon Musk’s comments, highlights the growing role of private companies in space exploration. While SpaceX is primarily focused on its own missions, its collaboration with NASA on future missions could play a key role in ensuring that such delays are avoided in the future.