The two astronauts stuck in space for 9 months are finally back on Earth. The mission was supposed to only take 8 days. Wilmore and Williams launched on a test flight of Boeing’s Star-liner capsule on June 5, 2024, aiming for an 8-day stay. However, a malfunction turned the mission into a 9-month stay. After returning, they lost weight, and both astronauts were not allowed to drive for some time. Returning to Earth can cause temporary gravity or even space motion sickness. The astronauts have many health issues from being stuck in space for so long; for example, muscle and bone loss, bone density loss, vision problems, brain structure problems, and even slowed blood circulation. 

The astronauts were stuck in space because of a technical issue with the Boeing Star-liner spacecraft. The Star-liner spacecraft experienced several problems, including thruster malfunctions and a propellant leak, preventing its return to Earth. In June 2024, the duo launched to the space station on the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Star-liner capsule. However, they encountered problems with the vehicle’s thrusters during the docking process, forcing them to remain in orbit for 286 days. Wilmore and Williams completed over 150 scientific experiments while in space, and Williams set a record for the most spacewalking time by a woman. They returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, and landed in Florida. 

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