Trump directs SpaceX to rescue NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore stranded on ISS for eight months

Trump vows to rescue Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore stranded on ISS

US President Donald Trump announced that he has directed Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring back NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly eight months.

Astronauts stuck in Orbit beyond planned mission

Williams and Wilmore were launched into space aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, 2024, for what was originally planned as an 8-10-day mission. However, technical issues with the spacecraft prevented their return, forcing them to remain in orbit far beyond the expected duration, raising concerns about their health and well-being.

On Tuesday, Trump criticized the Joe Biden administration, accusing it of “abandoning” the astronauts in space. He praised the two astronauts, calling them “brave” for enduring such an extended mission.

Trump’s directive to SpaceX

Taking to his social media platform TRUTH Social, Trump wrote:
“I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to ‘go get’ the two brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!”

Elon Musk confirms SpaceX rescue mission

Responding to Trump’s directive, Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX will undertake the mission to bring the astronauts home. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated:
“The President has asked SpaceX to bring home the two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station as soon as possible. We will do so. Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.”

The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so.

Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025

NASA’s previous plans to bring back Starliner capsule

In August 2024, NASA announced plans to remotely bring back the Boeing Starliner capsule, leaving Williams and Wilmore on ISS for an extended stay. However, following Trump’s intervention, SpaceX will now step in for their rescue.

Sunita Williams’ recent spacewalk

On January 16, 2025, Sunita Williams conducted her first spacewalk since arriving on the ISS seven months ago. Alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague, she undertook outdoor repair work while the space station orbited 260 miles above Turkmenistan. This marked the first NASA spacewalk since an aborted one last summer, after which US spacewalks were paused due to a spacesuit cooling loop issue. NASA has since confirmed that the problem has been resolved.

What’s next?

With SpaceX now officially tasked with the astronaut rescue mission, preparations for their safe return are underway. The development has sparked political debate, with Trump using the situation to criticize the Biden administration’s handling of NASA operations.

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