The Team | WebStory24.com
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on June 5, 2024, for a planned 10-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Upon docking, the Starliner exhibited propulsion-related anomalies, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. NASA extended the crew's stay on the ISS for safety reasons.
After assessments, NASA deemed it risky for the crew to return. Consequently, the spacecraft was sent back to Earth without crew, leaving Williams and Wilmore on the ISS.
During their prolonged stay, Williams and Wilmore became integral members of Expedition 71, participating in scientific experiments and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS.
The astronauts' return was further postponed due to delays in launching their replacement mission, SpaceX's Crew-10, which faced multiple postponements, March 12 to March 14, 2025.
Originally slated for a short mission, Williams and Wilmore's stay extended to approximately 285 days, placing them among NASA's single spaceflight record holders.
NASA arranged for their return aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, Freedom, alongside fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
The crew undocked from the ISS on March 18, 2025, and successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida later that day, marking the end of the extended mission in space.
Upon landing, the astronauts were greeted by a pod of dolphins surrounding their capsule, adding a unique touch to their return.
Despite the unforeseen challenges and extended duration, Williams and Wilmore remained positive, emphasizing their commitment to the mission & the importance of adaptability in space exploration.
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