A trip that was only supposed to be for a handful of days turned out to be a nine-month journey after issues arose with the Boeing Spacecraft. Although this is not what was originally planned, nine months of incredible and groundbreaking research took place aboard the International Space Station (NASA.gov). NASA Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, accompanied by astronaut Nick Hauge and Russian Cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned safely to Earth’s surface on March 18, 2025.
Williams and Wilmore became the first ever humans to board Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft during NASA’s Crew Flight Test (CFT). The astronauts launched on June 5, 2024 which was Boeing’s first ever CTF. Hauge and Gorbunov launched to the space station a few months later on September 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. During their nine-month stay, the four astronauts ran over 150 unique experiments and logged more than 900 hours of research in their lab (NASA.gov).
This incredible experience has been heard all over the world, including the students here at Ramapo. Junior Joan Carilli states, “I was curious as to how a trip that could only last a few days turned out to be nine months, but I am relieved that they returned safely!”
Their numerous research tasks included experiments, maintenance, tech demonstrations, and testing stem cell technology for patients on Earth. Williams even holds the record for the most cumulative time walking in space by a woman: 62 hours and 6 minutes. This outstanding record placed her fourth among the most experienced astronauts in history (The Boeing Company).
Fellow Junior Emma Sanchez states, “We were talking about their return in my history class. I was surprised to hear they had been in space for nine months, and it was an interesting discussion.”
Although the technical issues prolonged their intended mission, Williams and Wilmore have stated that they would do it all over again. The astronauts were met with a warm and embracing welcome from their families and friends last month, and were satisfied with the great amount they had accomplished during their time at the International Space Station.
