NASA, SpaceX Adjust Capsule Plans for Early Return of Astronauts

NASA has announced a new plan to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back from the International Space Station earlier than expected, now targeting March 12 for their return aboard a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. This change comes after complications with Boeing's Starliner capsule, which had originally been scheduled for their return. The astronauts have been in space for over eight months, far exceeding their expected mission duration of a week. NASA's decision to switch capsules was prompted by delays in preparing a new SpaceX capsule for their replacements. This adjustment also impacts a private mission by Axiom Space, which has been postponed to allow for the astronauts' return. NASA continues to prioritize sending a new crew to the ISS before the current team departs to maintain operational continuity.