However, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen refuted these claims, explaining that the astronauts were always scheduled to return with Crew-9, making a separate rescue mission unnecessary.
Wilmore also dismissed the political theories, stating in a news conference from space that politics played no role in the delay.
Life Aboard the ISS for Nine Months
Spending months in a confined space with limited human interaction can take a toll on mental health.
Williams and Wilmore have openly discussed missing their families, but they have remained committed to their work. Extended stays in space can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, and mood shifts, making psychological resilience crucial.
Now, as their long-awaited return nears, the astronauts look forward to reuniting with their loved ones and adjusting back to life on Earth—where they will finally have more room to move than aboard the ISS.
Meanwhile, Musk has continued pushing his long-term vision for space travel.
SpaceX’s website boasts: “Starship is the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tons fully reusable and 250 metric tons expendable.”
