Talk about an extended vacation! NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally packing their cosmic bags after accidentally becoming the space station’s longest-staying guests. Their eight-day business trip turned into a nine-month space odyssey that would make even Tom Hanks jealous.
The World’s Most Delayed Flight
The dynamic duo blasted off on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft last June, expecting to be back on Earth in time for summer barbecues. Instead, their ride developed a serious case of the hiccups – thruster failures and helium leaks that made NASA say, “Hmm, maybe let’s not risk it.” The result? Their spacecraft flew home empty while they stayed behind, like kids whose parents forgot to pick them up from space camp.
“There was just too much uncertainty in the prediction of the thrusters,” explained NASA’s Steve Stich, which is space-speak for “that ride’s too sketchy even for astronauts.”
Rescue Mission: Finally Underway!
But fear not! SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission has successfully launched on March 14, 2025, meaning Wilmore and Williams can finally call their space taxi. They’re set to splash down on March 19 aboard the Crew-9 Dragon capsule, ending what must be the most epic “sorry we’re running late” story in NASA history.
Making the Best of Cosmic Circumstances
Despite their cosmic predicament, our stellar heroes kept their sense of humor intact. They even got to experience some spooky space mysteries, like the strange “sonar ping” sounds coming from their abandoned Starliner in September – free haunted house experience included with their extended stay!
Setting Accidental Space Records
By the time they touch down, these accidental tourists will have spent 288 days floating above Earth, collecting frequent flyer miles that are quite literally out of this world. They’ve orbited our planet more than 4,500 times, witnessed over 4,000 sunrises, and probably hold the record for “most times asking when the next ride home is coming.”
As they prepare for splashdown, one thing’s for sure – their “what I did on my summer vacation” stories are going to be absolutely unbeatable at NASA’s next holiday party!