Astronauts Stranded for Nine Months Rescued by SpaceX: Watch Their Landing Greeted by Dolphins

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Two NASA astronauts, left stranded in space for nine months due to a Boeing spacecraft failure, finally returned home Tuesday—thanks to SpaceX. Former President Trump called out the Biden administration for “virtually abandoning” them.

Key Facts:

  • NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the ISS after Boeing’s Starliner capsule failed.
  • Their mission was originally planned for just eight days but stretched to nine months.
  • NASA deemed the Starliner unsafe for their return, forcing them to wait for an alternative.
  • SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, carrying the two astronauts and two others, safely landed off Florida’s coast on Tuesday.
  • Trump credited Elon Musk and SpaceX for stepping in after he asked them to retrieve the astronauts.

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The Rest of The Story:

Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5 for what was supposed to be a brief mission.

However, helium leaks and thruster malfunctions turned their journey into an extended stay on the ISS. NASA ultimately decided the spacecraft was too risky for a crewed return, leaving the astronauts stranded.

For months, the astronauts continued their work on the ISS, performing critical spacewalks and conducting over 200 scientific experiments. Meanwhile, Boeing’s troubled Starliner program faced growing scrutiny, with reports of $1.5 billion in cost overruns beyond its original $4.5 billion NASA contract.

Trump criticized the Biden administration for leaving the astronauts in space. In January that he had asked Elon Musk to intervene. Musk later claimed the Biden administration delayed their return for political reasons, which NASA denied.

After months of uncertainty, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule finally brought them home.

The astronauts were greeted by a pod of dolphins no less.

Commentary:

The idea that two American astronauts were stranded in space for nearly a year is both embarrassing and alarming.

NASA, once a symbol of American innovation, was unable to retrieve its own astronauts, leaving them to rely on a private company to complete the job.

Boeing’s Starliner program has been a costly disaster. Despite receiving more funding than SpaceX for crewed missions, Boeing has consistently underperformed.

Meanwhile, Musk’s company, operating on a smaller budget, has revolutionized space travel and is now the backbone of NASA’s missions.

The government’s failure to effectively manage resources has left taxpayers footing the bill for Boeing’s failures.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has once again proven its capability and reliability. By successfully returning the stranded astronauts, SpaceX has solidified its role as a pivotal player in modern space exploration.

The Biden administration’s handling of this situation was weak. Musk’s claim that they delayed the return for political reasons may be disputed, but the fact remains: two American astronauts were left in limbo.

Thankfully, President Trump enlisted Musk, and SpaceX stepped up, proving once again that when government agencies fail, private enterprise can deliver.

The Bottom Line:

The Boeing Starliner’s failure left two American astronauts stranded for nine months. NASA had no solution. Trump enlisted SpaceX to act.

Musk’s company ultimately brought them home, showcasing the growing importance of private space ventures.

Once again, the private sector saved the day where government bureaucracy fell short.