Four new astronauts from the U.S., Japan, and Russia arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, paving the way for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to conclude their unexpectedly extended mission. The newcomers will spend days training under Wilmore and Williams’ guidance before the latter duo departs aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule later this week.
Extended Stay Highlights Collaboration
Originally slated for a week-long test flight on Boeing's Starliner last June, Wilmore and Williams have now spent over nine months in orbit due to technical setbacks with Boeing’s spacecraft. NASA opted to prioritize crew safety, delaying their return until SpaceX could provide a replacement capsule. The newly arrived team includes members from NASA, JAXA (Japan), and Roscosmos, underscoring enduring international partnerships in space.
A Lighthearted Transition
The ISS crew welcomed the newcomers with symbolic gestures and humor. Cosmonaut Ivan Vagner briefly donned an alien mask, while Wilmore rang the station’s traditional bell as the four floated aboard. “It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive,” Williams told Mission Control.
Long-Awaited Return
Weather permitting, Wilmore and Williams—alongside two other astronauts—will depart the ISS on Tuesday morning, aiming for a splashdown off Florida’s coast. Their return marks a critical milestone for NASA after over a year of contingency planning. The crew swap temporarily raises the station’s population to 11, reflecting the ISS’s role as a hub for global scientific cooperation.
