It has been nearly nine months since astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were originally scheduled to return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). The pair found themselves stranded in space due to unforeseen malfunctions with the Boeing Starliner. With the recent arrival of a new crew from SpaceX to the ISS, which is set to replace Wilmore and Williams, many Americans are left pondering when these stranded NASA astronauts will finally make their way back home to Earth. The anticipation builds as families and friends await their safe return.
In a March 2025 interview, Williams expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone back on Earth for their “all the love and support,” emphasizing the mission’s dual impact. She stated, “This mission has brought a little attention. There’s goods and bads to that. But I think the good part is more and more people have been interested in what we’re doing.” Her words highlight the importance of public engagement in space exploration and the incredible work being done by astronauts aboard the ISS, fostering a deeper appreciation for their efforts.
To gain more insights into the situation, continue reading to discover when astronauts Williams and Wilmore are expected to return to Earth. Additionally, learn more about the recent SpaceX mission that facilitated this transition, showcasing the vital role of private space travel in supporting NASA’s operations and ensuring the safety of astronauts in orbit.
Have a great time in space, y’all!
#Crew10 lifted off from @NASAKennedy at 7:03pm ET (2303 UTC) on Friday, March 14. pic.twitter.com/9Vf7VVeGev— NASA (@NASA) March 14, 2025
Understanding the Current Status of the Stranded Astronauts in Space
From June 2024 to March 2025, astronauts Williams and Wilmore remained aboard the ISS, contributing significantly to various scientific experiments. However, with the recent launch of SpaceX Crew-10, which includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, as well as Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, preparations are underway for the replacement of Williams and Wilmore. This transition highlights the importance of collaboration in space missions and the continuous efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts while advancing scientific knowledge.
Projected Timeline for the Return of Stranded Astronauts to Earth
As reported by the Associated Press, NASA aims for a seamless overlap between the two ISS crews, allowing Wilmore and Williams to effectively brief the newcomers on essential protocols and operations. Following this handover, the NASA duo is expected to undock approximately a week later and embark on their journey back to Florida, contingent on favorable weather conditions. Wilmore and Williams will receive an escort home by astronauts who had previously traveled to the ISS on a different SpaceX mission, ensuring a safe return with two empty seats designated for the stranded astronauts, emphasizing the collaborative nature of space missions.
In mid-March 2025, after months of anticipation, Wilmore and Williams successfully undocked from the ISS and began their journey back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon ship. This significant event marks not only the conclusion of their extended mission but also illustrates the resilience and dedication of astronauts, who continue to push the boundaries of human exploration in space.
The Duration of Astronauts’ Stay in Space: What to Expect
On average, astronauts stationed aboard the ISS typically spend between six to twelve months in orbit, depending on the specifics of their mission and the requirements of their research. However, it is important to note that both Wilmore and Williams were initially scheduled for a much shorter mission duration, with plans to stay in space for no more than eight days. This unexpected extension underscores the unpredictability of space travel and the complexities involved in ensuring the safety and success of astronauts during their missions.
Exploring Astronaut Salaries: How Much Do They Earn?
According to data from Indeed, the annual salary for civilian astronauts ranges significantly, typically between $104,898 and $161,141 per year. These figures reflect the rigorous training, expertise, and responsibilities that astronauts undertake in their roles, highlighting the importance of their contributions to space exploration and scientific discovery.
