NASA has confirmed it will work with SpaceX to return two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) as soon as practical, following President Donald Trump’s request for a quicker return. NASA’s original plan was for the astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, to return in late March aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. After Trump’s intervention, SpaceX agreed to expedite the process.
SpaceX to Speed Up Return
Wilmore and Williams have remained on the ISS due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which caused NASA to assign their return mission to SpaceX instead. Although the astronauts have been on the station longer than expected, they remain healthy and continue with scientific research. NASA is working with SpaceX to ensure their safe return while preparing for Crew-10 to manage the handover between missions (Roulette, 2025).
Crew Dragon Ready for Return
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which had originally flown to the ISS with empty seats for Wilmore and Williams, is now prepared for their return. The Crew-9 return had been delayed to allow SpaceX more time for capsule processing, but NASA and SpaceX are now focused on bringing the astronauts back as soon as possible.
Managing ISS Staffing and Operations
NASA is carefully coordinating the mission to avoid understaffing the ISS. An early Crew-9 return would have left the U.S. contingent on the station with only one astronaut, raising concerns about maintenance. The agency is managing the situation to minimize disruption while ensuring a safe return for the astronauts.
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References:
Roulette, J. (2025, January 29). NASA and SpaceX work to expedite astronaut return after Trump’s request. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/trump-musk-suggest-sped-up-return-nasa-astronauts-details-scarce-2025-01-29/
