Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for over two months, will return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The pair’s original eight-day mission was extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that took them to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Starliner experienced problems, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, prompting NASA to decide on an uncrewed return for the spacecraft. Engineers have been working to understand the issues and ensure a safe return for the astronauts.

Williams and Wilmore will spend the next few months conducting scientific work and space maintenance on the ISS before joining the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for their return journey. Both astronauts have previously completed long-duration stays in space and are supportive of the plans for their return.

SpaceX has successfully sent nine crewed flights to space for NASA, and this mission will mark another significant milestone in commercial space flight.