Two NASA astronauts, originally expecting a short stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), have now been in orbit for nearly eight months due to a series of spacecraft malfunctions. Williams and Butch Wilmore, test pilots on Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule, finally conducted their first spacewalk together on Thursday—an event marked by technical challenges, record-breaking achievements, and an uncertain return timeline.
A Mission That Wasn’t Supposed To Last This Long
Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner last June, tasked with a short test mission meant to validate the spacecraft for future crewed flights. However, technical issues—including propulsion system failures and helium leaks—led NASA to ground the spacecraft for further testing. The decision left the two astronauts in an unexpected limbo aboard the ISS, waiting for an alternative way back to Earth.
Their mission, initially set for a brief stay, has now stretched into an unplanned ten-month orbit due to further delays in launching their replacements aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon. NASA has confirmed that their return will not take place before late March or early April, extending their tenure in space far beyond what either astronaut had anticipated.
Overcoming Setbacks During A Critical Spacewalk
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their return, Williams and Wilmore stepped outside the ISS for a nearly four-hour spacewalk—a task that proved more challenging than expected. Their main objective was to remove a broken antenna and conduct microbial sampling on the station’s exterior.
The operation didn’t go as smoothly as planned. The astronauts struggled to unbolt the malfunctioning antenna, eventually managing to pry it off after hours of effort. As they worked 260 miles (420 km) above Earth, Mission Control warned them to be mindful of potential floating debris from the dismantled component.
For Wilmore, a retired Navy captain and veteran astronaut, this was his first spacewalk of the mission, though he had experience from previous ISS tours. Williams, on the other hand, had already completed a spacewalk two weeks prior.
A New Record For Women In Space
While the spacewalk was a routine maintenance task, it turned into a historic milestone for Suni Williams. By stepping outside the ISS for the ninth time in her career, she surpassed the previous record for the most spacewalking time by a female astronaut. The previous holder, Peggy Whitson, had accumulated 60 hours and 21 minutes across ten spacewalks. Williams’ latest extravehicular activity has now pushed her beyond that mark, securing her place in history.
Despite the physical demands of spacewalks and the extended duration of their stay, both astronauts remain in good health. NASA has praised their resilience, emphasizing that their extended mission is providing valuable data on long-term space habitation—insights that will prove useful for future deep-space missions, including potential Mars expeditions.
The Starliner Problem And The Wait For SpaceX
The delay in Williams and Wilmore’s return is largely due to Boeing’s Starliner troubles, which have cast a shadow over the spacecraft’s future. Initially designed to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, Starliner has faced years of delays, technical setbacks, and unplanned mission extensions. After launching successfully in June, the spacecraft developed propulsion issues, forcing NASA to make the unprecedented decision to return it unmanned, while the astronauts remained aboard the ISS.
With Starliner grounded, NASA now relies on SpaceX to bring the two astronauts home. However, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon schedule has also faced delays, largely due to crew rotation logistics and launch availability. Their replacements are now expected to arrive in March or April, meaning Williams and Wilmore will not return home until after a full ten months in orbit.
What’s Next For The Stranded Astronauts?
For now, Williams and Wilmore continue their duties aboard the ISS, assisting with station maintenance and scientific research. Their next major milestone will be the arrival of their replacements, which will allow them to finally board a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and return to Earth.
NASA remains confident that their return will proceed smoothly, though the delays highlight the challenges of maintaining multiple spaceflight programs simultaneously. The incident also raises further questions about Boeing’s ability to deliver a reliable crew transport system, especially as NASA shifts focus to deep-space missions, including Artemis moon landings and future Mars exploration.
Until then, the two astronauts remain in orbit, continuing their mission beyond its expected limits—demonstrating the resilience, adaptability, and endurance required of those who push the boundaries of human space exploration.
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