Two American astronauts who spent nearly a year aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are finally heading home, but not because of any action by the Biden administration. Instead, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, stepped in to carry out the rescue after months of government inaction.
The problem began last June when NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams traveled to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. They were expected to return shortly after arrival, but technical issues with the spacecraft left them unable to leave. Despite the urgency, no government-led effort was put in motion to retrieve them.
🚨NASA ASTRONAUTS THANK ELON & TRUMP AHEAD OF SPACEX RESCUE
After 9 months stranded in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set to return home aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
Wilmore:
“All of us have the utmost respect for Mr Musk and obviously… https://t.co/cKeivzSXfU pic.twitter.com/QlcNpYJa2M
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 17, 2025
After months of waiting, SpaceX launched the Crew-10 mission, which successfully docked with the ISS early Sunday. The relief crew — NASA’s Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov — has now taken over duties aboard the station, making way for Wilmore and Williams to begin their return process.
This mission was only possible because of private-sector spaceflight partnerships that expanded under President Donald Trump. His administration prioritized commercial collaboration in space, ensuring NASA had an alternative to government-run programs when needed.
The meeting of Crew 9 & Crew 10 was more than just a moment-it was a promise. A promise that no dream is too far, no frontier too distant & no journey without a way home. Thanks to @Elonmusk & @SpaceX, hope now travels beyond the stars & the impossible is just the beginning. 🚀✨ pic.twitter.com/woG9mnk8bf
— Grace (@4verBeyou) March 17, 2025
NASA has now confirmed that the return mission for Wilmore, Williams, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov is scheduled for March 18. Their SpaceX Dragon capsule will undock from the ISS before making its descent and landing in the waters off Florida’s coast.
NASA will provide live updates as the mission progresses, ensuring the public can follow along with the long-awaited return.
