Science

NASA Confirms SpaceX Plan to Expedite Return of Astronauts Amid Trump’s Call for Urgency

2025-01-29

Author: Jia

NASA Collaborates with SpaceX

In a surprising turn of events, NASA has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with SpaceX for the swift return of two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS). This affirmation comes just a day after former President Donald Trump publicly urged SpaceX and Elon Musk to expedite the astronauts’ homecoming, which is currently scheduled for March.

Trump's Call for Action

During a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to 'go get' the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration.” He expressed hopes for their safety and wished Musk good luck on this formidable task. The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been stationed aboard the ISS for an extended period due to delays with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.

NASA's Decision Background

NASA had previously opted for SpaceX to return the astronauts owing to significant issues with Boeing's vehicle, which ultimately delayed their planned return. Wilmore and Williams were part of a crew aboard Starliner during an eight-day test mission last summer, but they have since been waiting due to ongoing technical challenges with the craft's propulsion system. NASA made the decision to change the return plan in August, citing Starliner as too risky for their safe return.

NASA's Statement

A spokesperson for NASA stated, “NASA and SpaceX are expeditiously working to safely return the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts as soon as practical.” SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, which is already docked at the ISS, is prepared for a return journey, but certain logistical challenges remain.

Concerns Regarding Trump's Intervention

Despite Trump's intervention being unusual—especially for a president to intercede in NASA’s operational decisions—agency officials confirmed that Wilmore and Williams are healthy and engaged in crucial research aboard the space station. However, the request raised concerns about the complexity of NASA's coordination, which involves carefully planned schedules to ensure sufficient personnel aboard the ISS.

Potential Staffing Imbalance Issues

NASA had to navigate the potential implications of an early return for Crew-9, which could leave the ISS briefly understaffed if not synchronized properly with the upcoming Crew-10 launch. The potential implications of a staffing imbalance could complicate essential maintenance and operations aboard the station.

The Role of SpaceX and Boeing