Will NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore return this month?
What's the story
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are all set to return to Earth after a long nine-month stay in space.
Their homecoming is dependent on their replacements' arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) next week.
Speaking from ISS, Williams revealed that the hardest part of their unexpected extended stay was the wait their families back on Earth had to endure.
Challenges
Delays hinder astronauts' return
The duo's return has been delayed due to problems with Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was originally supposed to bring them back.
The Starliner encountered several issues reaching the ISS, prompting NASA to declare it unsafe for crew transport.
This is why their homecoming was further delayed by the extra time needed for a new SpaceX capsule due to bring their replacements in March.
Transition
New crew's arrival and handover process
NASA has confirmed the new crew will reach the ISS on March 12.
This team will include NASA astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Takuya Onishi.
The two crews will spend about a week together on the space station before Wilmore and Williams leave with NASA's Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov from the Russian Space Agency.
Insights
Prolonged stay offers valuable insights into space missions
Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains and experienced astronauts, have assured that they are healthy and fully committed to their mission.
Their extended stay on the ISS has provided valuable insights into long-duration space missions.
They even took a spacewalk together in January, further contributing to scientific research, equipment testing, and training exercises during their time aboard the ISS.
Appreciation
Williams expresses gratitude for space mission experience
Despite the long stay, Williams was thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an important mission.
She said, "I don't think I'm abandoned. I don't think we're stuck up here. We've got food. We've got clothes. We have a ride home in case anything really bad does happen to the International Space Station."