NASA Shares Why Stranded Astronauts Weren’t Rescued From Space Station Sooner

‘The best option was really the one that we’re embarking upon now,’ said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore (L) and Suni Williams pose for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station's Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 13, 2024. NASA via AP, File

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally coming home after an eight-day test flight turned into a nine-month stay onboard the International Space Station, and NASA officials affirmed on March 7 that the extended stay was the best possible option.

This is what NASA wanted and what fit their plans, Steve Stich, manager of the Commercial Crew program said, adding that the plan allowed them to utilize Wilmore and Williams “in a very productive manner” on the space station and ensure “a seamless integration to keep the science going.”