Astronauts Return After Nine-Month Stay Aboard ISS Amid Political Controversy

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), extended due to safety concerns with their original Boeing Starliner capsule. Initially scheduled for a week-long mission, their stay was prolonged as NASA integrated them into regular operations on the ISS, despite claims from Elon Musk and former President Trump suggesting political motivations behind their extended presence in space. Musk alleged that the Biden administration refused assistance for a rescue operation to avoid potential embarrassment ahead of the presidential election. Former astronaut Clayton Anderson supported this view, indicating concerns about a rescue mission's risks impacting the election. However, NASA officials have denied any political motives, emphasizing safety as the primary concern. Their return is contingent upon the arrival of Crew-10, which will relieve them of their duties on the ISS.