9 hours ago
Last Updated:March 20, 2025, 09:32 IST
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safely returned back to Earth on Wednesday aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after spending 286 days in space, for which the Trump administration has blamed Biden.
White House blamed the Biden administration for Sunita Williams' extended stay in space. (Reuters)
After spending 286 days in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safely returned back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft, culminating a journey wracked by technical faults and political infighting in the United States.
Williams’ return was hailed by people from all walks of life, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and Indian celebrities. US President Donald Trump took credit for her return, saying, “Promises Made, Promises Kept."
Trump and his close advisor Elon Musk have repeatedly accused former President Joe Biden of delaying her return for “political reasons". Hours after the astronauts returned, the White House once again blamed Biden’s “lack of urgency" to bring home the stranded astronauts.
‘Joe Biden’s Lack Of Courage To Act Boldly…’
Addressing a regular press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hailed the Trump administration’s efforts to assist the return of the veteran NASA astronauts. “We saw the very best of America. After spending nearly 300 days aboard the Space Station, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are back on Earth," she said.
“These two incredible astronauts were only supposed to be up there for eight days, but because of the Biden administration’s lack of urgency, they ended up spending nine months in space. Joe Biden’s lack of courage to act boldly and decisively was a big reason why Butch and Suni did not make it back until yesterday," Leavitt added.
#WATCH | Washington, DC | “We saw the very best of America. After spending nearly 300 days aboard the Space Station, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are back on Earth. These two incredible astronauts were only supposed to be up there for eight days, but because of… pic.twitter.com/g62Mssaohe— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025
“But President Trump doesn’t waste time. Immediately after taking office, President Trump directed Elon Musk and SpaceX to rescue these brave astronauts alongside NASA. The President looks forward to welcoming Butch and Suni to the Oval Office when they are recovered," she continued.
Wilmore and Williams splashed down in the Gulf of America after spending a staggering 286 days in space – significantly longer than initially planned. Their mission involved orbiting the Earth thousands of times, covering millions of miles, and conducting crucial research. This successful mission underscored the importance of NASA’s partnership with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing.
Sunita Williams, Wilmore Not Invited To White House
Meanwhile, Trump has confirmed that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will visit the White House, but only after they’ve had time to recover from their extended space mission. He highlighted the physical toll space travel takes on the human body, stating that the astronauts need time to readjust to Earth’s gravity.
Both astronauts are beginning a 45-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity. This program aims to reverse the physiological effects of prolonged weightlessness, which can include fluid shifts, muscle loss, bone density reduction, and even temporary height changes.
“Welcome back, Crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions," wrote PM Modi in his welcome message.
The duo, who had initially planned to stay at the ISS for eight days, have been stuck in space for nine months after technical issues developed on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. During their approach to the ISS, five of the 28 thrusters of the Starliner spacecraft carrying Williams and Wilmore failed, which extended their trip from days to months in space.
Trump and Musk have repeatedly asserted that the two astronauts were left stranded at the ISS by the previous Joe Biden administration for “political reasons“.
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:March 20, 2025, 09:32 IST
News world White House Slams Biden's 'Lack Of Courage' For Sunita Williams' 9-Month Stay In Space
