Tell me you haven't forgotten them, at least you. I'm talking about the two unlucky NASA astronauts who after a thousand tribulations now see their return from the ISS also turn into a political affair. Donald Trump e Elon Musk they decided to take matters into their own hands, accusing the Biden administration of having “abandoned” them, as if they were shipwrecked on a desert island.
Now is the time for NASA to really keep calm and pretend that everything is under control.
A mission that didn't go according to plan
In June 2024, Boeing starliner carried two NASA astronauts into orbit, Butch Wilmore e Suni Williams. The capsule was planned to then carry the same astronauts home after their mission to the International Space Station. However, shortly after its arrival in space, Starliner encountered significant problems in the propulsion system.
An unexpected event, which forced the crew to make quick decisions to ensure the safety of the mission. In the end, the tormented Boeing, together with NASA, decided to return the vehicle to Earth without passengers. In other words, Starliner left the two astronauts in orbit waiting for another means of transport for their return. This choice has raised numerous questions about Boeing's ability to manage human missions in space (and not only). While the U.S. space agency tried to downplay the accident, concerns grew within the aerospace industry about confidence in commercial flight systems.
“We cannot afford to risk the lives of astronauts,” a NASA representative said at a press conference at the time. “Returns from the ISS must be safe and reliable, regardless of the vehicle used.”
The long return from the ISS
As mentioned, while the Boeing Starliner returned to Earth without a crew, astronauts Wilmore and Williams continued their mission on the ISS, knowing that their reentry would be organized by another vehicle.
NASA had already established that the Crew-9 Dragon SpaceX would have been ready to bring them home by February 2025: they should have crossed their fingers back then. Yes, because a technical problem with another Dragon capsule delayed the launch of the next mission, Crew-10, until March. As a result, their return from the ISS was also postponed to April.
Now, it's raining on the wet: Trump and Musk have decided to use this story as an opportunity to criticize the outgoing administration. Within a few hours, X was filled with tweets (even of Musk himself) that described the astronauts as “marooned” and “castaways” in space, accusing the government of incompetence. However, the truth is that NASA was simply following a well-defined protocol, based on safety and reliability.
When politics enters space, the lines between facts and narratives can easily blur. In the case of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, their extended stay on the ISS has been transformed into a symbol of government inefficiency.
In fact, NASA worked hard to ensure that every step of the process was done correctly. Even though Boeing had to retire its vehicle, the partnership with SpaceX allowed the astronauts to continue their mission without significant disruption. That’s why, despite all the talk, the real lifesaving work was done by the technicians and engineers who kept the Dragon capsules running. And let’s hope it continues that way, without undue pressure.
The technical challenges behind the scenes
Every space mission involves risk and uncertainty. When Boeing's Starliner encountered propulsion problems, the crew was already in orbit. At that point, the main priority was to ensure the two astronauts could return home safely. However, the delay in resolving the technical problems prompted NASA to look for immediate alternatives.
One of the main reasons Boeing did not immediately bring back Wilmore and Williams was the need to fully restore the propulsion system. This process would require time and resources, something that could not be done in space. As a result, NASA coordinated a new plan with SpaceX, which had already demonstrated its ability to safely reenter the Crew Dragon.
“The decision to use SpaceX was driven by the need to ensure maximum safety for the astronauts,” a NASA official explained. “Even though Boeing had difficulties, we always had a backup plan ready to go.”
Return from the ISS, a final reflection
Ultimately, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams’ story reminds us of how fragile the line between science and politics is. As the two of them continue to do their work in space, Earth forces try to manipulate their stories for personal gain. However, NASA remains focused on its core mission: ensuring that every return from the ISS is safe and reliable.
In a world where technology and politics are increasingly intertwined, it is important to remember that true heroism lies not in public declarations or fiery tweets, but in the quiet commitment of those who work every day to make space exploration possible. So, as we continue to watch with curious eyes what happens in space, we must also appreciate the work of those who allow us to do so.