Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5th, were initially scheduled to return within a week. However, due to a malfunction in the Boeing Starliner, their return has been delayed.
Sunita Williams: NASA and SpaceX's Crew-10 mission is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Crew-10 astronauts arrived at the ISS via a Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket. After successful docking and hatch opening, they met with the astronauts already present, and pictures of this meeting have gone viral on social media.
Crew-10's Journey to ISS via Falcon-9
The Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched by the Falcon 9 rocket, reached the ISS at 9:40 AM local time. The Crew-10 team comprises two American astronauts, Ann McClain and Nicole Ayers, Takuya Onishi from Japan, and Kirill Pervushin from Russia. Upon arrival at the space station, they met with Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were already present.
Sunita and Wilmore's Joyful Reunion
The arrival of Crew-10 created a lively atmosphere at the ISS. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore appeared visibly happy to see their fellow astronauts. Sunita enthusiastically embraced everyone, expressing her joy. This moment was captured on camera and is rapidly spreading across social media.
What's Next?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will now spend some time familiarizing the new astronauts with the ISS's operations and procedures. According to NASA, weather permitting, they may return to Earth via a SpaceX capsule later this week. Their landing is planned off the coast of Florida.
Trump's Expressed Concern
Former US President Donald Trump also expressed interest in Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return. He discussed the mission with SpaceX owner Elon Musk. Trump recently stated that the Biden administration had abandoned Sunita and Wilmore in space. Following this statement, SpaceX accelerated its plans for their return.
Boeing Starliner Malfunction Complicates Matters
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore departed for the International Space Station on June 5th, 2024. Their return was initially planned for a week later, but a technical malfunction in the Boeing Starliner delayed their return. They were part of a joint NASA and Boeing crew flight test mission, but due to the technical failure, they remain stranded at the ISS.
SpaceX's 10th Crew Mission
The Crew-10 mission is SpaceX's tenth crew rotation mission using its human space transportation system. This is a joint NASA and SpaceX mission aimed at maintaining a long-term human presence in space and ensuring the success of future space missions.
