Dishti Tandon
Aug 26, 2024
Extended Mission: Sunita Williams & Wilmore’s Unexpected Stay On The ISS
Why are Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore staying longer on the ISS?
Williams and Wilmore’s stay was extended due to Starliner issues. NASA decided they will remain on the ISS until early 2025
What will Williams and Wilmore do during their extended stay?
They'll become full-time crew members, joining SpaceX’s Crew-9 for spacewalks, ISS maintenance, and scientific experiments
How will their extended stay impact the ISS crew and resources?
Their extended stay boosts the ISS workload but also increases food and supply consumption
How did the astronauts manage without their luggage?
Their luggage was removed for an ISS repair part, but they received personal items and fresh food during a resupply mission
Will they have enough food and supplies?
The ISS is well-stocked with four months of food and water, thanks to a recent resupply mission
How does their mission compare to other extended ISS stays?
Extended missions are common; Frank Rubio’s lasted 371 days. Williams and Wilmore’s stay adds to their 500+ days in space
When and how will Williams and Wilmore return to Earth?
NASA plans to return them to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in early 2025, with timing still under consideration