NASA And SpaceX Forced To Delay Return Of Stranded Astronauts

Photo: @NASAhistory

India-West News Desk

HOUSTON, TX – A critical NASA and SpaceX mission to bring home two astronauts stranded in space for nine months has been delayed due to technical issues.

The delay stems from a hydraulic system malfunction with a ground support clamp arm on the Falcon 9 rocket.

The mission, initially set for a March 14 launch, would have marked the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA had recently accelerated their return by two weeks following pressure from President Donald Trump, who urged the agency to expedite their homecoming.

Wilmore and Williams, both experienced astronauts and former U.S. Navy test pilots, originally traveled to the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, due to propulsion system malfunctions, NASA deemed it too risky for them to return on the same vehicle.

Williams recently reflected on the emotional toll of the extended mission, acknowledging the strain it has placed on her family while maintaining a positive outlook on her time in space, Reuters reported. “It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us,” she said in a recent media call. “We’re here, we have a mission, and every day is interesting because we’re up in space, and it’s a lot of fun.”

The Crew-10 mission, which was intended as a routine crew rotation, has become entangled in political discourse the news agency noted. Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have criticized former President Joe Biden for the extended delay in Wilmore and Williams’ return. NASA has not provided evidence supporting these claims but has worked to expedite the astronauts’ return by swapping a delayed SpaceX capsule for one available sooner.