Astronauts Have Already Been in Space for Over 6 Months. Now Their Return Has Been Delayed Again, NASA Says

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty

Suni WilliamsandButch Wilmorewill have to wait a bit longer to return to Earth.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17,NASA announcedthat the spacecraft that will ferry four astronauts to the International Space Station to retrieve Williams and Wilmore —who have been in space since June— won’t be ready to launch until “no earlier than late March 2025.”

The veteran astronauts were originally slated to return sometime in February,NASA previously said.

According to the space agency, the delay gives NASA and SpaceX teams time to “complete processing” on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission, offering “the best option for meeting NASA’s requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025.”

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Over the past few months, Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 61, have discounted claims that they are “stranded” — and have been taking full advantage of their extra time in space.

In November, the crew aboard the ISS shared how they celebrated Thanksgiving in space.

“We have a bunch of food that we’ve packed away that is Thanksgiving-ish,” Williams toldNBC News. “Some smoked turkey, some cranberry, apple cobbler, green beans and mushrooms and mashed potatoes.”

Williams was planning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, she told the outlet.

The duo has also been keeping up with their fitness since being in space takes a toll on muscle mass, and Williams has rebuked claims that she has lost weight while experiencing zero gravity for an extended period.

“We’re feeling good, working out, eating right, it’s just awesome,” Williams said in an interview with Lester Holt onNBC Nightly Newsin November. “We have a lot of fun up here too. People who are worried about us, really, don’t worry about us … we’re a happy crew up here.”

source: people.com