NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months, recently expressed gratitude to Elon Musk and President Donald Trump for facilitating their return to Earth. In a video shared by Musk on X on March 17, 2025, the astronauts acknowledged the efforts of SpaceX and Trump in resolving their prolonged ordeal. Williams, of Indian origin, cheerfully stated, "We are coming back before long, so don’t make those plans without me," while Wilmore added, "We have the utmost respect for Mr. Musk and admiration for President Donald Trump. We appreciate all they do for human spaceflight and our nation."
The astronauts’ saga began in June 2024, when they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner for what was meant to be a brief mission. However, thruster malfunctions and helium leaks rendered the spacecraft unsafe for their return, stranding them on the ISS. After months of uncertainty, NASA turned to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, which docked at the ISS on March 16, 2025, as part of the Crew-10 mission. Their splashdown near Florida is scheduled for March 19, marking the end of an unexpected 287-day stay in orbit.
Trump and Musk had repeatedly criticized the Biden administration, alleging political motives delayed the astronauts’ rescue. Trump, who claimed he authorized Musk to expedite their return, hailed their resilience, while Musk’s SpaceX delivered the technical solution. The Crew-10 mission’s success underscores SpaceX’s pivotal role in modern space exploration.
Williams and Wilmore’s heartfelt thanks reflect relief and appreciation as they prepare to reunite with loved ones. Their return not only concludes a challenging chapter but also highlights the collaboration between government leadership and private innovation, ensuring America’s continued dominance in space. For Williams, it’s a triumphant homecoming after an unforeseen test of endurance.
