Trump and Musk's Urgent Call: NASA's Plan for Starliner Astronauts

As the world watched in awe, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Little did they know that their journey would be anything but straightforward, with unexpected delays and technical hiccups pushing their return date further and further into the future. Now, with former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk calling for their immediate return, let's take a closer look at NASA's original plan and the factors that contributed to the extended stay of the Starliner astronauts on the ISS.

NASA's Plan: Integration into SpaceX Crew-9 Mission

Initially, NASA planned for the Starliner astronauts to spend little more than a week aboard the space station before returning to Earth. However, as technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft mounted, NASA was forced to extend their stay. In August 2024, the agency decided to return the Starliner capsule uncrewed due to thruster problems and helium leaks, projecting that the astronauts would work as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew through February 2025, when they would return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. This plan was later updated to target a return date of March 2025.

To facilitate the astronauts' return, NASA integrated them into the SpaceX Crew-9 mission. This plan required removing two astronauts from the originally four-person launch to make room for Wilmore and Williams on the return leg. The extended stay also necessitated additional planning and resource allocation by NASA and the ISS crew, as well as adjustments to launch schedules and crew assignments for future missions.

Factors Contributing to the Extended Stay

The extended stay of the Starliner astronauts on the ISS was primarily due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft, which led to NASA's decision to return the capsule uncrewed. Key factors contributing to the delay included:

1. Thruster problems: The Starliner spacecraft experienced issues with its thrusters, which raised concerns about its ability to safely return the astronauts to Earth. This problem was first detected during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS and was later discovered to be more severe than initially thought.
2. Helium leaks: In addition to the thruster problems, the Starliner spacecraft also experienced helium leaks, which further complicated the situation. These leaks were discovered after the spacecraft had already docked with the ISS and raised concerns about the spacecraft's ability to safely return to Earth.
3. Crew rotation: The extended stay of the Starliner astronauts on the ISS required NASA to adjust its crew rotation plans. This meant that two astronauts who were originally scheduled to launch on the Crew-9 mission had to be removed to make room for the Starliner astronauts on the return leg.
4. Supply and operations: The extended stay of the Starliner astronauts on the ISS required NASA to ensure that there were enough supplies and resources available to support them. This included food, water, and other essential items, as well as the necessary equipment and systems to perform their duties on the station.

Trump and Musk's Urgent Call

On January 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, asking Elon Musk to "go get" Wilmore and Williams from the space station, implying that their return should happen as soon as possible. Musk responded on X, stating that he would bring the astronauts home "as soon as possible" and that it was terrible that the Biden administration had left them there so long. Neither Trump nor Musk provided specific details about how they planned to facilitate the astronauts' return or when it would occur.

While Trump and Musk's urgent call for the astronauts' return may have been well-intentioned, it is essential to recognize the complexities and challenges involved in planning and executing a safe return to Earth. NASA's original plan, while not without its own setbacks and delays, was designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the astronauts while minimizing the impact on the ISS's crew composition and operations.

As the world continues to watch the Starliner astronauts' journey unfold, it is crucial to remain patient and supportive of the dedicated teams working tirelessly to ensure their safe return. The ultimate goal is to bring them home as soon as possible, but it is equally important to do so in a manner that prioritizes their safety and the success of the ongoing mission on the ISS.