NASA confirms updated return date for 'stranded' astronauts after SpaceX crew docks at ISS

A pair of NASA astronauts are set to return home after nine months of being stranded in space.

The US space agency announced that Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita 'Suni' Williams are to be transported home with another American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut. The rescue crew arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) early on Sunday (16 March) aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon craft.

This marks the end of an unexpectedly extended stay for Wilmore and Williams, who initially travelled to the ISS in June 2024 for what was supposed to be an 8-day mission.

However, technical issues forced the capsule to return to Earth without them last September - leaving them stranded nine months longer than expected.

NASA's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stranded on the ISS for over nine months (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor)

Although their stay is still shorter than the US space record set by Frank Rubio at 371 days in 2023, or the world record of 437 days held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov aboard the Mir space station.

NASA originally planned a rescue mission in February, but the launch was delayed due to technical issues with a rocket clamp arm.

Then, on 12 March, a new attempt was made to launch a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to retrieve them.

But at the last minute, Elon Musk's space company announced that it had aborted plans due to an issue with the hydraulic system of the launch tower.

Now, after a successful launch, NASA said the crew is expected - including NASA's Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov - to hit the Florida coast at approximately 5:57 p.m. (21:57 GMT) on Tuesday. This is one day earlier than initially planned as the weather conditions have proved more favourable.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at the Kennedy Space Center on Friday (NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty)

“The updated return target continues to allow the space station crew members time to complete handover duties while providing operational flexibility ahead of less favourable weather conditions expected for later in the week,” the space agency said.

The journey is to be broadcast live from Monday evening when hatch closure preparations begin.

The long stay - which required NASA to send them extra clothing and personal supplies - has caused the pair to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas on the outpost away from their families.

Meanwhile, some are worried about Williams and Wilmore's health states after photos were released showing their gaunt physical appearance.

In response to the concern, NASA has reassured everyone that they're both okay - but their biggest challenges might still be ahead of them.