National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who arrived at the International Space Station,ISS, last June for a 10-day mission, are finally set to return after spending 10 unexpected months in orbit. Their Boeing Starliner spacecraft was deemed unsafe for the journey back due to helium leaks and propulsion failures, forcing them to remain aboard the ISS. Now, they are expected to return as early as Wednesday, March 19, aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, carrying four Crew-10 members, successfully launched on Friday and is expected to dock at the ISS late Saturday. This arrival clears the way for Wilmore and Williams to return, along with Crew-9 astronauts NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos’ Aleksandr Gorbunov, who reached the ISS in September with two empty seats available for their return.

Despite their extended stay, Wilmore and Williams have remained active, conducting science experiments, assisting spacewalks, and engaging with Russian cosmonauts. Their prolonged time in space is a testament to NASA’s ability to sustain human life in microgravity

Being in space for extended periods presents challenges, from muscle and bone loss to increased radiation exposure. NASA routinely monitors astronauts’ health with medical evaluations and flight surgeons to ensure their well-being.

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To counteract the effects of weightlessness, ISS crew members exercise for about two hours daily, using resistance bands, treadmills, and stationary bicycles. Sleeping quarters consist of specially designed sleeping bags attached to the walls, helping astronauts rest in microgravity.

The ISS receives food, water, oxygen, and other supplies every three months via cargo missions, ensuring astronauts have everything needed to sustain their extended stays.

Wilmore and Williams’ 10-month mission is far from the longest space stay on record. NASA astronaut Frank Rubio spent 371 consecutive days aboard the ISS, followed by Mark Vande Hei at 355 days and Scott Kelly at 340 days.

Now, after witnessing breathtaking cosmic views and making scientific contributions, Wilmore and Williams are just days away from finally touching down on Earth.

Reported by Yahoo News.