NO LONGER STUCK IN SPACE, SUNITA WILLIAMS & BUTCH WILMORE RETURN HOME
Navy Veterans Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the International Space Station (ISS) for eight days in June 2024, and while their trip wasn’t derailed as long as Giligan’s, it was an otherworldly experience. The days turned into weeks which turned into months and finally on March 18, 2025, it came to an end. Both Williams and Wilmore are back home on Earth, facing newfound fame, possible health issues, and one hell of an adventure.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Finally on Earth After Being Stuck in Space
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are no longer stuck in space, as they splashed down back on Earth after an eight day trip turned into a 9 month adventure.
Their time on the ISS comes to an end thanks to the launch of SpaceX Crew-10, after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft was unable to return with them onboard due to technical issues.
While both parties are excited to head home, when asked about what Williams would miss about staying in space, she quickly replied, "Everything."
"This has been Butch and mine third flight to the ISS. We helped put it together, we have been up here watching it change. Just living here gives us a unique perspective—not just outside the window, obviously—but on how to solve problems. I don't want to lose that spark of inspiration and perspective when I leave so I am going to have to bottle it up, somehow," said Williams.
The challenge was real for them, however, facing limited supplies and disrupted life in a way none of us can relate. All while their loved ones have carried the burden here on Earth, eager for their return.
The four crew members on the SpaceX Crew-10 mission aren’t just bringing home the stranded astronauts. They’re also headed up to work on the ISS. After teaching the crew their tasks, Williams and Wilmore will head home and splash down off the coast of Florida.
Why Was Sunita Williams Stuck in Space?
Sunita Williams was stuck in space with fellow Navy Vet Butch Wilmore because Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft had issues in June. The Boeing Starliner that was stuck in space with two astronauts derailed what should have been a trip barely over a week into a space adventure spanning 9 months.
Wilmore and Williams were traveling as a part of NASA's Commercial Crew Capsule program. Suddenly, helium leaks and five thruster failures added more than enough complications to their mission. Since then, many of the issues have been fixed and NASA and Boeing both say the Starliner is safe. However, the exact cause of the issues remains unclear, suspending Wilmore and Williams in the stars.
Everyone was looking to repair the Boeing Starliner to find the root of its problems, along with exploring other options. Notably, the main alternative option for bringing Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home was to use the SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 spaceship that launched in September 2024, which never panned out.
SpaceX’s Dragon Crew-9 Mission
The mission was going to be a big one for SpaceX regardless; however, its September run to the ISS took on even more notoriety as a possible taxi for the stranded Wilmore and Williams.
The company launched from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC 40) at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, bringing NASA astronaut and active duty U.S. Space Force Colonel Nick Hague on the trip.
This was a first for any active-duty Guardian, with Col. Hague making the trip on September 28, 2024.
While good news for Col. Hague, unfortunately for Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, the trip didn’t work in their favor, forcing the pair to remain in space for several more months.
Why Sunita Williams Could Possibly Be Losing Weight
Overwhelmingly, if you’re going to speak about someone’s body, the best thing you can do is say nothing at all.
However, when it comes to Sunita Williams being stuck in space, some of the latest photos have shown just how many calories one needs for space travel.
Women need about 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day to maintain their weight. In space, this number goes up to around 3,500 to 4,000 calories per day.
So, when Williams was shown to have lost a noticeable amount of weight, people were concerned about the transformation.
The good news is that NASA and everyone involved are aware of the situation but not worried.
Of course, they’re monitoring it but astronauts are checked regularly by medical tests and so far, Williams seems to be in good health.
The challenge now is to have Williams consume enough calories to maintain if not gain weight in space, but there are a few factors in place:
- Space travel and missions mean limited supplies. Having extra bodies up there for this long is a rationing challenge in its own way, though these professionals remain prepared.
- Just because you’re in space doesn’t mean you get to float around all day. Astronauts work out over two hours per day.
This is a unique case, showcasing some of the out-of-sight, out-of-mind variables that go into putting humans into space.
Furthermore, despite the concerns from everyone, the photos circulating showing the weight loss are not entirely current. NASA has been aware of the issue and working with Williams to help her while she awaits her ride home.
Williams Addresses the Media About Weight Loss Rumors
Dr. James Polk, NASA's medical chief has extinguished the medical rumors about Suni William's declining health, making a statement that those on board are "in good health."
Rumors about William's declining health began after she was interviewed by Dr. Vinay Gupta, and Seattle pulmonologist, who made comments about her visible weight loss.
Since then, rumors have been flying around regarding the status of her health since then, but Dr. Polk explained that Williams and the crew are doing fine physically.
Williams has since addressed the rumors stating, "There are a lot of changes that go on here... It's funny, I think there's some rumors around that I am losing weight and stuff... No, I am actually right at the same amount... we go weigh ourselves, we have a spring mass... Butch and I weigh ourselves the same way that I was when I got up here."
Sunita Williams went on to address the weight loss rumors in more detail in an interview with the New England Sports Network. The video can be watched here.
Butch Wilmore & Sunita Williams Being Stuck in Space is the Latest Boeing Blunder
High-profile crashes in 2018 and 2019 were bad enough. However, Boeing’s 2024 is one to forget in a world that documents everything worth remembering.
The company is still part of an ongoing FAA investigation following the door of a Boeing 737-9 MAX Aircraft coming detached from an airplane mid-flight. Now, Boeing's Starliner has stuck its astronauts on the ISS. Now, one of the U.S. military’s largest aerospace contractors has egg on its face yet again.
The reality of the situation is that Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were stuck in space for far too long. Fortunately, their adventure has come to a good ending and they can now be reunited with their loved ones.
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