In a mission filled with unexpected twists, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have spent more than seven months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following complications with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Initially scheduled for only about eight days in orbit, they continue to demonstrate resilience and teamwork as they complete critical tasks — from swapping out degraded radio equipment to collecting microbial samples on the station’s exterior.
A Monthslong Stay on the International Space Station
Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS in June on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft during its first crewed journey. However, due to helium leaks and propulsion issues, NASA determined that Starliner was not a viable option for their return to Earth. As a result, the Starliner capsule returned empty, and the astronauts unexpectedly remained aboard the ISS.
Despite the prolonged mission, Wilmore and Williams have embraced their extended stay with humor and professionalism. “It’s just a great team and — no, it doesn’t feel like we’re castaways,” Williams said in a previous interview, emphasizing that though they look forward to returning home, they also have important work to accomplish in orbit.
Completing a High-Priority Spacewalk
On Thursday, the duo ventured outside the ISS for a 5-hour, 26-minute spacewalk, marking Williams’ ninth career spacewalk and Wilmore’s fifth. The primary objective was to remove a degraded S-band antenna known as the radio frequency group, which had proven difficult to replace during two previous attempts. Using a specialized wrench to remove the stubborn bolts, the astronauts successfully freed the hardware for return to Earth, where it will be refurbished and reinstalled on a future mission.
While this equipment swap took a bit longer than initially expected, it was crucial to maintain clear communication channels for both robotic operations and astronaut safety. Once the radio hardware was secured, Wilmore proceeded to conduct “swabbing” for the ISS External Microorganisms experiment.
Searching for Microbes on the ISS Exterior
Beyond the essential antenna replacement, Wilmore swabbed various areas of the space station’s exterior in search of possible microorganisms. This effort is part of a broader investigation into how microbes might survive in the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit. Scientists are particularly interested in whether extremophiles — organisms known to thrive in environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents — can exist on the station’s outer surfaces.
The findings could inform future planetary protection protocols, ensuring minimal contamination as humans expand their reach to the Moon and Mars. NASA’s Artemis III mission, slated for later this decade, aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface, followed by a historic crewed journey to Mars.
Breaking Spacewalking Records
The spacewalk began at 7:43 a.m. ET and concluded at 1:09 p.m. ET, all of which was broadcast live on NASA+ and NASA’s official YouTube channel. Clad in a white suit marked with red stripes, Williams surpassed former astronaut Peggy Whitson’s record of 60 hours and 21 minutes of total spacewalking time at 11:24 a.m. ET. By the end of the activity, Williams’ cumulative time on spacewalks reached 62 hours and 6 minutes, a significant achievement in NASA’s history of extravehicular activities.
Deferred Tasks and Future Spacewalks
Due to the extended time needed for antenna removal, the astronauts postponed a lower-priority task: preparing a spare joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Canadarm2, a 55-foot-long (17-meter-long) Canadian robotic arm, is critical for maneuvering equipment, conducting station maintenance, and assisting in spacecraft docking. Future spacewalks will complete the deferred tasks, ensuring Canadarm2’s readiness to replace its elbow joint if needed.
Return Plans: Flying Home Aboard SpaceX Crew-9
With Starliner deemed too risky for reentry on this mission, NASA plans to return Wilmore and Williams to Earth no earlier than late March using the SpaceX Crew-9 capsule, currently docked at the ISS. Their departure will be carefully coordinated with the arrival of the next SpaceX flight, Crew-10, to maintain a continuous human presence and operational handover on the orbiting laboratory.
Controversy Over Extended Stay
High-profile figures such as Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump have weighed in on social media, calling the astronauts “stranded.” However, NASA officials, including former Administrator Bill Nelson, have publicly reiterated that astronaut safety guided every decision. They have assured the public that Wilmore and Williams are in no way abandoned and will return home as soon as it is “practical and safe,” following standard ISS crew rotation protocols.
Looking Ahead: Artemis, Mars, and Beyond
The prolonged stay of Williams and Wilmore underscores the unpredictable nature of human spaceflight — a reality NASA anticipates as it ramps up missions beyond low Earth orbit. Gaining a deeper understanding of microbial life on the ISS exterior, perfecting orbital maintenance, and refining launch and landing protocols are all foundational steps as space agencies worldwide prepare for Artemis missions to the Moon and eventually the first crewed landing on Mars.
Through the collective efforts of NASA, its commercial partners like Boeing and SpaceX, and international collaborations, each challenge encountered and overcome paves the way for safer and more robust journeys into deep space.