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During a news conference from orbit, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams addressed their prolonged stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the political dispute surrounding their return journey. Their unexpected eight-month stay, originally planned as an eight-day mission on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, has sparked controversy due to technical complications with the vehicle.
The situation intensified when Elon Musk revealed details about a potential rescue mission. He stated, “The astronauts were only supposed to be up there for 8 days and now have been there for 8 months. SpaceX could have sent up another Dragon and brought them home 6 months ago, but the Biden White House (not NASA) refused to allow it. President Trump asked to bring them back as soon as possible and we are doing so.”
Stranded astronauts confirm Biden kept them stranded for political reasons. pic.twitter.com/7gJeTqBqkH
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) March 6, 2025
This revelation triggered debates among former Biden administration officials and space industry experts. During the orbital press conference, where the astronauts were joined by NASA colleague Nick Hague, they provided their perspective on the extended mission and its political implications.
Wilmore expressed his respect for both Musk and Trump, acknowledging politics as an inherent part of life. He emphasized that their astronaut training prepares them for unexpected mission extensions, which enabled them to smoothly integrate into the Crew 9 mission and Expedition 72.
BREAKING VIDEO – Stranded Astronaut on ISS confirms Elon Musk offered to rescue them and was DENIED by Biden – https://t.co/Dap8GDDNP4 pic.twitter.com/S2uGQHuuhe
— ✟ Right Scoop ✟ (@trscoop) March 6, 2025
When questioned about Musk’s claim regarding the blocked 2024 rescue mission, Wilmore supported the SpaceX founder’s statement, describing it as “absolutely factual,” though he admitted to not knowing the specific details of the proposed plan.
