Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck on the International Space Station (ISS). They have been there for a long time. They were supposed to come back in June, but now they will not return until February 2025. This is very concerning for everyone.
What Happened?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore flew into space on June 5, 2024. They were on a special flight called the Boeing Starliner mission. This mission was to test if the Starliner could safely carry astronauts to and from the ISS.
On June 6, the Starliner spacecraft docked with the ISS. But soon after, problems began. Five of the spacecraft’s 28 thrusters failed. These thrusters are very important because they help control the spacecraft in space. Without them, the spacecraft cannot maneuver safely.
NASA also found helium leaks in the spacecraft. Helium is needed to keep the spacecraft’s systems working correctly. Without it, the spacecraft may not be safe for travel.

Health Concerns
Now, there are serious health concerns for Sunita Williams. Recent pictures show that she has lost a lot of weight. This is alarming because astronauts need to stay healthy in space. Weight loss can lead to many health problems.
Living in space is hard on the body. Astronauts can lose muscle and bone mass. They also face other health risks from being in microgravity for too long. NASA is monitoring Williams and Wilmore closely.
What Are They Doing in Space?
Even though they are stuck, Williams and Wilmore continue to work on important tasks aboard the ISS. They are conducting experiments and research. This research helps scientists understand how the human body works in space.
Some of their work includes studying how hearts and lungs function in microgravity. They are also growing plants in space to see how they grow without gravity. This information is valuable for future space missions.

Future Plans
NASA wants to bring Williams and Wilmore back safely. They are looking at different options for their return. If the Starliner cannot be fixed, they may use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft instead. This would be a big change from the original plan.
The Crew-9 mission is set to launch in February 2025, bringing new astronauts to the ISS. Before this mission, the Starliner must return to Earth. If it does not, NASA may need to use SpaceX to bring Williams and Wilmore home.
Challenges of the Starliner Mission
The Starliner mission has faced many challenges. Before their launch, there were issues with the spacecraft’s helium system and thrusters. These problems have cost Boeing and NASA a lot of time and money.
In total, the Starliner program has faced setbacks that could cost around $1.5 billion. These challenges are making it harder for NASA to meet its goals for safe space travel.
The Importance of Safety
Safety is the most important thing for NASA. They are working hard to make sure that Williams and Wilmore can return home safely. NASA is analyzing all the data from the Starliner to understand the problems better.

NASA has a team of engineers and scientists who are focused on fixing the Starliner. They are also looking at other ways to bring the astronauts back if necessary.
Conclusion
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are in a tough situation. They are doing their best to stay healthy and work on important research in space. However, the problems with the Starliner spacecraft are serious.
The world is watching closely as NASA and Boeing work to fix these issues. Everyone hopes that Williams and Wilmore will return home safely soon. Until then, they will continue their mission on the ISS, helping us learn more about space.