President Trump promised to cover the overtime pay for astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. They were stuck in space for 286 days. This period spanned both his time as president and Joe Biden’s. Trump said he would personally pay for the overtime if needed. Indeed, Trump offers to pay astronauts for their unexpected extended stay. He was shocked when he learned NASA had only promised them $5 a day for extra expenses. That would total about $1,430. Trump thought that wasn’t enough for what the astronauts went through.
NASA Calls the Mission a Business Trip
NASA called the astronauts’ time in space a business trip. They said the astronauts were on “official travel orders.” According to NASA, their stay at the International Space Station was like a work assignment. Because of this, they didn’t get extra pay for staying longer than planned. They were stuck up there for almost 10 months. This long time in space was a challenge for both Williams and Wilmore. But, in the end, they got help from SpaceX. By emphasizing that Trump offers to pay astronauts, it highlights his support for them.
SpaceX Brings Them Home
Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, launched a rescue mission. A crew was sent to bring the astronauts back to Earth. They arrived at the space station and safely brought them back on Tuesday. The astronauts’ capsule splashed down in the Gulf of America near Tallahassee, Florida. When they landed, dolphins greeted them, making it a memorable return. Furthermore, Trump offers to pay astronauts for staying overtime, showing his concern for their well-being.
Trump Talks About the Astronauts’ Struggles
Trump spoke about the physical toll being stuck in space takes on astronauts. He said the longer someone stays in space, the worse it is for their body. The bones and blood begin to weaken after nine months. After 14 to 15 months, the damage gets even worse. Trump said the astronauts were lucky to have Elon Musk’s quick help. Without SpaceX, they could still be up there. Trump also pointed out that NASA delayed the astronauts’ return due to political reasons. By offering to pay astronauts, Trump recognizes the sacrifices they make.
Musk Blames Politics for Delay
Earlier this month, Musk blamed political reasons for the delay in rescuing the astronauts. He said politics played a part in why they were left in space longer than necessary. Trump echoed Musk’s opinion. He said Biden might have left the astronauts up there on purpose. Trump believed that Biden didn’t want to deal with the publicity of a rescue.
A Long Wait for Rescue
In September, SpaceX sent a Crew Dragon capsule to the space station. The capsule docked with the station. However, NASA decided not to bring the astronauts back immediately. Instead, they waited several months before sending another rescue vehicle. The delay was long, and it kept the astronauts in space for far longer than expected.
