NASA Astronauts' Return Home Accelerated After Capsule Switch

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NASA has expedited plans to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS) due to a capsule switch involving SpaceX. Initially scheduled for late March or April, their return is now set for mid-March. The astronauts have been stranded in space since June 6, 2024, after their Boeing Starliner capsule experienced propulsion issues, extending their stay from the intended eight days to nearly nine months.

According to NASA's commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, such unexpected challenges are common in human spaceflight. While both astronauts have been working on various experiments aboard the ISS, the extended mission has led to increased concerns about their prolonged duration in microgravity.

This swift return plan comes as part of a broader effort by SpaceX and NASA to ensure astronaut safety and timely homecoming after the delays encountered with the Starliner. NASA did not disclose technical details about the new capsule involved in the operation, but emphasized its commitment to the astronauts' rapid return.

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