After 285 days in space, stranded astronauts begin journey to earth
After spending a record-breaking 285 days in space, two United States astronauts,have safely departed the International Space Station (ISS) and are headed back home.
The duo, accompanied by fellow American Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut, Aleksandr Gorbunov, left the ISS early Tuesday morning aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Capsule, called Freedom.
The spacecraft is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere later on Tuesday, with a scheduled splashdown in Florida around 5:57 p.m. as announced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Wilmore, 62, and Williams, 59, were originally slated to spend only 10 days in space last summer.
READ ALSO: Over 20,000 stranded Nigerians returned from Libya, Italy, others – Report
However, their Boeing Starliner capsule suffered mechanical issues, forcing NASA to return the craft without anyone on board. The incident left the astronauts stranded on the ISS, awaiting a ride back home.
The delay was further complicated by claims from Elon Musk that plans to bring the astronauts back earlier were shelved by former President Joe Biden, with Musk alleging that the mission was marred by political mudslinging.
Biden administration officials have since denied these allegations, stating that the delays were not politically motivated.
As a result of the prolonged stay, Wilmore and Williams will have spent approximately 285 days in space, placing them sixth among NASA’s single spaceflight record holders.
Frank Rubio currently holds the record at 371 days, after experiencing his own issues with a leaking Soyuz capsule in 2022.
The successful departure of Wilmore and Williams marks the end of a challenging and extended stay in space for the two astronauts.
Their safe return to Earth will be a welcome relief for NASA and the astronauts’ families.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
