Astronauts Return to a Transformed Earth After Being Stranded | Science, Climate & Tech News
It may have simply been a scheduling coincidence that brought Butch and Suni back to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule dubbed Freedom.
The test pilots were expected to have a quick layover at the International Space Station (ISS), but they ended up staying for an extended nine months.
Throughout this time, they missed Christmas, birthdays, and significant family moments while orbiting the planet at a speed of 17,500mph.
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Stranded astronauts exit capsule
However, the choice of capsule—among several in the Crew Dragon fleet—might have been intentional.
Donald Trump inaccurately labelled this a “rescue” mission for two astronauts “virtually abandoned” by the Biden administration.
Choosing the Freedom capsule could align with that narrative.
It’s plausible that the First Buddy at the White House and SpaceX’s chief Elon Musk joined forces in this subtle jab.
As it happened: ‘Wonderful’ reunion ahead for astronauts
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Watch moment astronauts return to Earth
This was, in fact, a standard crew changeover. The capsule the astronauts returned in had been docked at the ISS for the previous six months.
However, Butch and Suni have found themselves amidst a political whirlwind. Their space mission occasionally seems to overlap with an alternate reality.
For the last 25 years, the ISS has transcended earthly politics. Russian cosmonauts have cohabited and collaborated in space with crewmates from the US, Europe, Canada, and Japan, working together even in times of heightened tensions back on Earth.
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In a recent press conference from the space station, Butch and Suni stood alongside their commander beneath a display of flags representing all the nations that have contributed to the ISS.
A representation of unity. Yet, it’s domestic American politics that has unsettled the crew.
They likely hope their mission will be celebrated for the scientific endeavors they pursued in orbit, Suni’s spacewalks, and their interactions with schools, which could inspire future astronauts.
But larger political dynamics are in play.
Musk wants the space station to deorbit earlier than planned, while the president has appointed Janet Petro as the new NASA chief.
With Trump’s criticism of the Biden administration in the mix, Butch and Suni may not have the opportunity to narrate their story as they envision.
