Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were initially scheduled for a short-term mission to the International Space Station (ISS), expecting to return within a week. Due to issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, NASA has extended their stay until early 2025.
With the mission extension, Williams and Wilmore will transition from temporary visitors to full-time crew members. They will join the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, taking on additional responsibilities aboard the ISS.
The astronauts will be responsible for conducting spacewalks, maintaining the ISS, and performing scientific experiments. They are fully trained for these tasks, including extravehicular activities (spacewalks) and robotics operations.
The extension of their stay increases the workload on the ISS, which is beneficial for ongoing research and maintenance. However, it also means higher consumption of food and supplies. NASA has prepared for this by ensuring adequate resources are available on the ISS.
Williams and Wilmore’s luggage was removed from the Starliner to make space for essential equipment. Despite this, they received personal items and fresh supplies from a recent cargo resupply mission, helping to manage their comfort during the extended stay.
NASA has confirmed that the ISS is well-stocked with food and supplies, thanks to a recent resupply mission by Northrop Grumman. The station has about four months' worth of food and water reserves, ensuring no crew member faces shortages during the extended mission.
NASA plans to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, likely after completing their mission as part of Expedition 72 in early 2025. The exact timing of their return is still being planned.