SpaceX is set to launch a capsule carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station later today, which will allow two stranded astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, to finally return to Earth. The two astronauts had been stuck on the ISS since last June after a malfunction with the Boeing capsule they took into orbit.
President Trump and Elon Musk have claimed that the decision to leave Williams and Wilmore in space was politically motivated, with Musk preparing a ship to bring them back. However, former astronauts and NASA officials have denied any political motives behind the extended stay.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule heading to the station is not a rescue mission for Williams and Wilmore but will bring the new crew to the station. The astronauts have had an emergency lifeboat in the form of a SpaceX Dragon since September last year but have remained on the ISS, becoming fully integrated into the crew and conducting experiments and spacewalks.
Various technical reasons and safety concerns were cited by NASA officials for keeping Williams and Wilmore at the station longer than planned. The decision to return the Boeing capsule they arrived in without them resulted in the loss of their custom seats, which needed to be installed on the Dragon capsule for a smooth return.
Despite being excited to come back, Williams and Wilmore have been doing well in space and have been handling the situation professionally. The long-duration mission has its challenges, but former astronauts believe they have been coping well.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
