Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are safe aboard the ISS without risk from their extended stay. Their rescue mission is scheduled for February 2025, following a series of technical issues with their Boeing Starliner,

The SpaceX Crew-9 mission, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, was specifically launched to provide a safe return option for Williams and Wilmore.

SpaceX launched the rescue mission on Saturday with a downsized crew of two astronauts and two empty seats reserved for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will return next year.