Donald Trump has called on Elon Musk's SpaceX to expedite the return of two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, claiming they are “stranded” on the International Space Station (ISS). This remark comes despite NASA clarifying that the astronauts are not abandoned and are set to return to Earth by late March.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he had directly asked Musk to facilitate the astronauts' return, referring to them as “virtually abandoned by the Biden Administration.” According to The Guardian, the astronauts were initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June 2024 for what was planned as a brief stay on the ISS.

However, technical difficulties, including propulsion issues and a malfunctioning thruster, delayed their return. Despite these challenges, NASA had assured that Wilmore and Williams were safe and their return was being carefully planned. Musk reiterated on social media that he had been asked to rescue the astronauts, emphasizing the Biden administration's alleged failure to secure their timely return. He stated, “Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long,” adding that SpaceX would “bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible.”

NASA has indicated that while the timeline for their return has been adjusted, it is standard procedure to ensure the return mission does not compromise the functioning of the ISS. The agency has stated that they are currently preparing for the launch of the upcoming Crew-10 mission, which will bring four new astronauts to the station before Wilmore and Williams can return with the Crew-9 capsule.

This timeline adjustment is linked to a need for extensive preparation for the spacecraft to ensure astronaut safety during the return journey. NASA's partnering with SpaceX in these missions has underscored a commitment to comprehensive astronaut safety protocols, according to statements made by NASA officials.

In an unprecedented extended stay, Wilmore and Williams have also conducted various science missions, including a recent spacewalk to gather samples that could inform the study of life in space environments. Their ongoing work, including maintaining equipment and conducting experiments, showcases the robustness of their contributions to ISS operations despite the prolonged stay.

Former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized that the decision to extend the astronauts' tenure was made with safety as the primary concern. He clarified that the astronauts have remained upbeat, reinforcing that they do not feel “stranded.” Williams recently expressed satisfaction with the teamwork at the ISS, stating, “It doesn’t feel like we’re castaways. Eventually we want to go home… but we have a lot to do while we’re up here,” as reported by CNN.

This incident has sparked discussions around the broader implications for space missions and the political narratives that intertwine with the subject of space exploration. NASA continues to prepare for future missions, emphasizing the significance of maintaining rigorous protocols for safety and operational stability aboard the ISS.

For more details, visit the original articles from The Guardian, India Times, and CNN.