NASA astronauts who flew on Boeing's spaceship to remain in space even longer
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NASA ISS Astronauts' Return Delayed Until Spring
Above: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams Image copyright: Paul Hennessy/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
NASA on Tuesday announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who launched on June 5 for a planned week-long mission on the International Space Station (ISS), must remain in space until late March or early April, extending their stay to nearly 10 months.
The astronauts were unable to return on time because of technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule. It experienced helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, leading NASA to return the spacecraft empty in September.
The Spin
Narrative A
This delay represents a necessary operational decision to ensure crew safety and maintain proper space station protocols while awaiting a crew transition. Two resupply flights were recently made to ensure the astronauts' health and comfort, including bringing them items to celebrate the upcoming holidays.
Narrative B
This prolonged stay represents an unplanned burden on the astronauts, who prepared for a one-week mission but are now facing 10 months in space. This situation — described by some as "inhumane and torture" — highlights concerns about the psychological and physical impacts of extended space missions.
Metaculus Prediction
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