When astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore launched their mission to the International Space Station in June 2024, they likely expected their stay to last just eight days. However, due to technical issues with their Boeing capsule, including a helium leak, their mission was unexpectedly extended. The two astronauts were forced to stay in space far longer than anticipated, and their return to Earth has now been delayed several times. NASA currently expects their return to occur sometime in March 2025.
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The astronauts are set to return aboard the Crew-10 mission, but the situation has sparked media attention, particularly regarding their pay for the prolonged stay. President Donald Trump even accused the Biden administration of abandoning the astronauts, calling on Elon Musk and SpaceX to “go get them.” Musk responded, expressing that he would help, but many have pointed out that the astronauts are far from stranded. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell clarified that, according to NASA, they are “fine” and merely need to complete an additional spacewalk, something they enjoy.
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Despite the extended stay, NASA assures the public that Williams and Wilmore are in good spirits and that their basic needs—food, clothing, and safety—are well taken care of. Williams mentioned during a call, “It’s just been a joy to be working up here… It doesn’t feel like we’re cast away.”
As for their compensation, it’s not as astronomical as one might expect. Retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman revealed that, as federal employees, astronauts receive the same pay they would if they were on a business trip on Earth. They receive a small daily allowance for incidentals. For Coleman, this amounted to around $4 (£3.19) per day, meaning Williams and Wilmore would earn an extra $1,004 (£801.27) for their extended stay.
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