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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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NASA's two stranded astronauts conducted their first spacewalk together Thursday, stepping outside the International Space Station nearly eight months after their arrival.
Why It Matters
The prolonged stay of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard the ISS underscores the challenges of human spaceflight. Their unexpected 10-month mission highlights Boeing's ongoing struggles with its Starliner capsule, raising serious questions about its future in NASA's commercial crew program.
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Newsweek contact Boeing to request a comment on Thursday via email.
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What To Know
Williams and Wilmore floated outside the International Space Station to conduct maintenance and collect samples from the station's exterior, checking for any surviving microbes that may have escaped from Earth through vents.
Why Have Williams and Wilmore Been Delayed in Space?
The pair initially planned for a one-week stay after arriving at the space station last June. However, Boeing's Starliner capsule faced significant technical issues, leading NASA to opt for its return to Earth without crew.
With Boeing's Starliner capsule deemed unfit for their return, the two test pilots—both retired Navy captains—have been left in orbit until SpaceX can bring them home. Due to a delay in launching their replacements, their mission is now expected to stretch to 10 months, with their return set for late March or early April.
Was This the Astronauts' First Ever Spacewalk?
Williams completed a spacewalk two weeks ago with another NASA astronaut, while Thursday's excursion marked Wilmore's first time outside during this mission. Both, however, are experienced spacewalkers from previous stays aboard the space station.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced that he has asked Elon Musk's SpaceX to retrieve two NASA astronauts from ISS, despite their scheduled return aboard a SpaceX spacecraft in March.
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What People Are Saying
Commander Butch Wilmore said as he emerged 260 miles above Spain, "Here we go."
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social, "I have just asked Elon Musk and SpaceX to 'go get' the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. Good luck Elon!!!"
Space X founder Elon Musk confirmed on Tuesday from his X account that he would comply with Trump's request, saying his company would bring the astronauts home "as soon as possible."
What Happens Next
Next, NASA will continue monitoring Williams and Wilmore's extended stay aboard the International Space Station while SpaceX prepares for their long-delayed return.
SpaceX faces mounting pressure to launch their replacements on schedule, with any further delays pushing the mission past the 10-month mark. As the clock ticks down, NASA will likely provide updates on the exact timeline for their return, ensuring that Williams and Wilmore's prolonged mission finally comes to an end.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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