Priyanka Tiwari
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that Joe Biden’s administration was "incapable" of ensuring the safe return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). Trump made these remarks on Truth Social, claiming that he had to intervene and request Elon Musk to facilitate their rescue.
Trump’s Allegations and Intervention
In a social media post, Trump revealed he had spoken with NASA’s Acting Administrator, Janet Petro, who agreed to expedite the astronauts' return.
“She is coordinating our Team of highly respected Scientists, Space Engineers, and various other ‘geniuses.’ They have agreed to bring our Astronauts home earlier than the original two-week period approved by NASA. Janet was great. She said, ‘Let’s bring them home NOW, Sir!’ — And I thanked her,” Trump posted.
Trump also criticized the Biden administration, accusing it of neglecting the astronauts due to the “embarrassing” nature of the situation.
“Another thing I inherited from that failed group of incompetents. Elon and I took on the project, sending up the SpaceX Dragon, which has successfully docked. Hopefully, they will be on their way home soon.”
The Mission Delay and Rescue Operation
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for a 10-day mission. However, multiple technical issues, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, extended their stay for over nine months.
Now, NASA and SpaceX have collaborated to bring them back. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has docked at the ISS, with the return mission scheduled for Tuesday evening. The astronauts are expected to land in Florida on Wednesday.
Astronauts’ Background and Achievements
Both astronauts are retired U.S. Navy captains with extensive spaceflight experience.
- Sunita Williams holds the record for the longest single spacewalk by a female astronaut, clocking over seven hours. She previously served as a Navy helicopter pilot and test pilot.
- Butch Wilmore is a veteran astronaut who has completed multiple space missions and previously served as a Navy test pilot.
Safety Comes First, Says Trump
Trump emphasized that safety is the top priority in this mission.
“After eight long months for a mission that was supposed to last eight days, IT IS TIME. I look forward to seeing Butch and Suni, and I thank NASA and Janet Petro for their efforts,” he said.
With SpaceX’s Dragon rocket leading the rescue mission, the return of Williams and Wilmore marks the end of an unexpectedly prolonged space journey.
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