What began as an eight-day mission for NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore has transformed into an eight-month journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force on June 5 of last year, the duo has remained in orbit due to technical difficulties with their spacecraft. Over time, questions have arisen regarding the financial and physical implications of such an extended mission. NASA now faces challenges in compensating its astronauts for unplanned overtime in space, while also preparing them for the significant physical adjustments required after prolonged exposure to microgravity.
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore’s unexpected salary by NASA
Originally scheduled as an eight-day mission, unforeseen technical issues forced NASA to extend the stay of astronauts Williams and Wilmore on the ISS. The delay was necessary to address complications with their spacecraft, leading to an unexpected extension that now totals approximately eight months. This prolonged duration has raised concerns about the impact on both the astronauts’ well-being and the operational costs incurred by the agency.
According to reports from The Washingtonian, Williams and Wilmore are being compensated as though they are on an extended business trip. While their base salaries remain unchanged, NASA provides essential provisions on the ISS—such as food, drink, transportation, and lodging—along with a minimal daily stipend for incidental expenses. Retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman explained, “There is some small amount of money per day for incidentals that they end up being legally obligated to pay you.” Despite these arrangements, the issue of compensation for extended missions remains a topic of discussion, and NASA has not provided additional comments on this financial model.
Sunita Williams on life after 8 months in space: ‘I haven’t walked’
Spending eight months in space has significantly affected the astronauts’ ability to perform everyday tasks. During a call with students at Needham High School in Massachusetts, Sunita Williams admitted, “I haven’t walked. I haven’t sat down. I haven’t laid down.” Such statements underscore the challenges astronauts face as their bodies adapt to microgravity. Cady Coleman further described the experience as feeling “almost like you’re a fish in an aquarium,” highlighting the disorienting effects of prolonged weightlessness. The physical and mental challenges associated with re-adapting to Earth’s gravity after such an extended period are considerable and remain a critical concern for NASA’s medical and operational teams.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return date confirmed by NASA
In a recent development, NASA announced on February 11 that it is working to expedite the return of Williams and Wilmore. Initially scheduled for a return in late March, the astronauts’ homecoming is now tentatively set for March 12, pending mission readiness and other operational checks. Instead of using the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, NASA has decided to transport the astronauts via the Crew-10 mission. This change in the return schedule offers a potential early end to the extended mission, pending favorable conditions and the successful completion of the necessary flight readiness certification.
Also read | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to return home sooner
