NASA astronaut Sunita Williams will not return to Earth as scheduled in February 2024, facing a delay of approximately one month due to technical issues with the SpaceX Dragon capsule. Williams, who embarked on a ten-day mission in June 2024, has now spent nearly ten months in space.
NASA announced this delay on December 17, 2024, indicating that the Crew-10 mission, originally set for February, will be postponed. The delay stems from the need to construct a new Dragon spacecraft, which will transport four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Steve Stitch, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, noted that the fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of the spacecraft require additional time.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore will remain at the ISS for an additional month. Their extended stay is attributed to issues with the Boeing Starliner, specifically a helium leak and thruster problems.
Currently, both astronauts are in good health and actively conducting research aboard the ISS, which is home to a total of nine astronauts. This is not the first instance of astronauts extending their missions, but it marks Williams' first unexpected long-duration stay.
The ISS can accommodate the additional personnel, featuring more than six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, and a gym. Recent cargo resupply missions have ensured that the astronauts have sufficient food and supplies.
NASA is closely monitoring the effects of prolonged space travel on astronauts' health. Studies indicate that extended stays can lead to muscle weakening, decreased bone density, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Williams previously spent 196 days in space in 2006 and is expected to return after approximately 250 days this time.