NASA’s stuck astronauts are finally getting their ride home.

After an unexpected nine-month delay, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will soon return to Earth with help from SpaceX.

A Rescue Mission at the Space Station, Astronauts Welcome Their Replacements

Just over a day after launch, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule docked at the International Space Station on Sunday. It brought four new astronauts to replace NASA’s stranded duo.

The newcomers, representing the U.S., Japan, and Russia, will spend a few days adjusting before Wilmore and Williams prepare for departure. Their long-overdue ride home is the same SpaceX capsule that has been waiting there since last year.

Their mission was never meant to last this long. The two astronauts originally launched in June 2023 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, expecting to be away for just one week. Instead, they have spent nearly a year in space.

Boeing’s Failure Left Astronauts Stranded

Boeing’s first astronaut flight turned into a disaster. The Starliner capsule malfunctioned so badly that NASA ordered it back to Earth empty, leaving Wilmore and Williams behind.

NASA had no choice but to wait for SpaceX to send a replacement. Their ride home actually arrived months ago, but a battery issue on their replacements’ new spacecraft caused even more delays. Eventually, NASA decided to send an older, proven SpaceX capsule instead of waiting for more repairs.

NASA’s stuck astronauts: A Long-Awaited Reunion in Space – Astronauts Welcome Their Replacements

On Sunday, Wilmore opened the hatch and rang the station’s bell as the new crew floated in one by one. Hugs, handshakes, and a sense of relief filled the station.

“It was a wonderful day,” Williams said. “Great to see our friends arrive.”

With eleven astronauts now aboard, the space station is busier than ever. The diverse crew includes NASA, Roscosmos, and JAXA members, all working together for the mission’s success.

Final Countdown: Heading Home at Last

If weather conditions allow, Wilmore and Williams will finally leave on Wednesday. They will board the SpaceX Crew Dragon with two other astronauts and undock from the ISS. The capsule will then splash down off the Florida coast, marking the end of their unexpectedly long mission.

Their return brings relief not only to the astronauts but also to NASA, which has faced major setbacks with Boeing’s Starliner program.

As NASA’s stuck astronauts prepare for re-entry, the world watches to see if this saga will finally come to a safe and successful conclusion.