NASA Astronauts Set to Return March 16 After 9-Month Delay

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth on March 16 after spending nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to delays caused by technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Originally intended for an eight-day mission, their stay was extended after the Starliner was deemed unsafe for a return in September 2024. They will return in a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which will first deliver a new crew to the ISS on March 12. Wilmore clarified that their extended stay is not politically motivated, despite claims from Elon Musk and political figures. Williams expressed her eagerness to return home and emphasized the ongoing scientific value of the ISS. The timing of their return has been adjusted to conserve resources and ensure a smoother transition for the incoming crew.