Unexpected mission extension: Astronauts return after 286 days
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were initially scheduled to spend 8 days on the International Space Station, but ultimately stayed for 286 days. Fortunately, the astronauts returned safely to Earth.
American astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, who had been on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, have returned safely to Earth. According to ABC News, their Crew Dragon capsule landed off the coast of Florida, and the return flight lasted over 17 hours.
As reported by ABC News, not only did Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams return to Earth, but also NASA's Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Within an hour of landing at 9:57 PM GMT, their capsule was hoisted onto a rescue ship. The astronauts were transported in wheelchairs as their bodies need to readjust to life with gravity.
Williams and Wilmore began their mission in June 2024, when they flew to the ISS as part of Boeing's Starliner's first mission. Their stay was planned to last eight days, but technical problems, including a helium leak and engine failures, caused delays. Ultimately, the astronauts spent 286 days on the station.
During their time on the ISS, Williams and Wilmore quickly integrated with the rest of the crew, taking on daily duties, including conducting scientific experiments and station maintenance. Their return to Earth took place aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon ship.
Exceptional achievements of the astronauts
Sunita Williams, aged 59, and Barry Wilmore, aged 62, are experienced astronauts. Prior to the Starliner mission, they had spent a total of 500 days in space. Williams is also known for completing a triathlon in space in 2012, using a stationary bike, a weightlifting machine, and a treadmill on the ISS.
After returning to Earth, the astronauts will undergo medical examinations at NASA's centre before they can return home. A prolonged stay in space can lead to health issues, such as muscle atrophy or vision impairment.
Williams and Wilmore spent more time in space than the average ISS mission, which lasts about six months. The record for the longest single stay in space belongs to Frank Rubio, who spent 371 days there. Meanwhile, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko holds a total of 878 days in space.
