Sunita Williams’ return from space postponed again, now expected in March or April 2025

The return to Earth of Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been stuck in the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, has once again been postponed.

• Earlier estimates: Return was planned for February 2025.
• Now new date: Withdrawal not possible before end of March or April 2025.
  The mission of Sunita and her partner Wilmore Butch has been rescheduled due to delays in the preparation of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.

Reason for delay: New spacecraft and replacement crew

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said that this delay has been done to complete the necessary technical work in the Dragon spacecraft.

“The team will get an opportunity to work very carefully on the new spacecraft, so that technical flaws can be removed.”

NASA reported:

• Replacement crew launch required:
  • The new crew will be sent to the ISS before the return of Sunita and Wilmore.
  • The launch was to take place in February 2025, but now it is not possible before the end of March 2025.
• Waiting for SpaceX capsule:
  • NASA had considered using the old capsule, but decided to wait for the new capsule.

NASA’s overlapping crew policy

NASA likes to have overlapping crews on the space station. This maintains the continuity of the mission.

• NASA adjusts dates for Sunita Williams’ return.
• According to NASA:
  

  “SpaceX Crew-10 aims to send four new crew members to the ISS before the end of March 2025.”

Why is Sunita Williams stuck since June 2024?

• First reason: A technical flaw was found in the spacecraft ready for return in June.
• Now delayed: Preparations for SpaceX’s new Dragon capsule.
• NASA is alert about technical flaws and wants to allow flight only after thoroughly testing the vehicle.

What are the officials saying?

NASA officials described this delay as necessary and important.

• Steve Stich said:
  

  “Our priority is to fix every possible technical glitch.”

• NASA believes that it is difficult to ensure the success of the mission without a new crew and capsule.

Contribution of Sunita Williams

• Sunita Williams: Playing an important role as Commander in ISS.
• He and Wilmore Butch keep the mission running smoothly while in space.