Astronauts Endure Rigorous Health Exams After Nine-Month Space Mission as NASA Acknowledges Trump-Era Findings
NASA Astronauts Return After 9-Month ISS Stranding
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, alongside Crew-9 members Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, safely splashed down off Florida’s coast on Tuesday, ending a grueling 286-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally slated for an 8-day trip, their journey stretched into months due to technical failures with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Sunita Williams (center) and Butch Wilmore (right) were assisted onto stretchers post-landing, smiling despite months in microgravity.
Starliner’s Troubled Mission
Launched June 5, 2024, Starliner’s crewed test flight faced immediate setbacks: five thrusters failed during docking, compounding pre-launch helium leaks. NASA delayed their return for weeks, hoping to resolve issues, but persistent malfunctions forced a drastic pivot. By August, the agency deemed Starliner unsafe for reentry, opting to send Williams and Wilmore home aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule instead.
Health Concerns in Orbit
Extended stays in microgravity pose risks like muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and radiation exposure. By November, doctors noted Williams appeared “gaunt,” sparking concerns about her ability to maintain weight. NASA sources disclosed struggles with calorie intake, though Williams later dismissed claims, asserting she’d gained muscle. Similar monitoring applied to Wilmore, though his physical decline was less pronounced.
Recovery teams retrieved the Dragon capsule, which splashed down near Florida after undocking from the ISS.
Political Pressure Accelerates Return
In January 2025, former President Donald Trump urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite the astronauts’ return, alleging neglect by the Biden administration. Shortly after, NASA adjusted plans, fast-tracking Crew-10’s launch using a backup Dragon spacecraft. Crew-10 arrived March 14, freeing Williams, Wilmore, and Crew-9 to depart after a handover.
Homecoming and Recovery
Following splashdown, the crew underwent medical evaluations before flights to Houston’s Johnson Space Center. NASA acknowledged Trump’s role in accelerating their return, praising teams for overcoming “unique mission plan” challenges. Williams and Wilmore, veterans of multiple missions, may retire after this ordeal.
Starliner’s mission, initially planned for 8 days, became a 286-day test of endurance amid technical crises.
Lessons for Future Missions
The saga underscores challenges in crewed spaceflight, particularly reliance on untested systems. Boeing faces scrutiny over Starliner’s setbacks, while SpaceX’s adaptability reinforced its NASA partnership. As the astronauts reunite with families, the incident fuels debates on contingency planning and political influence in space exploration.
NASA Administrator Janet Petro stated, “Through ingenuity and dedication, we achieve what’s possible—from low-Earth orbit to Mars.” For Williams and Wilmore, Earth’s gravity never felt sweeter.
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