Former President Donald Trump recently claimed he requested SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to retrieve two NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), alleging they were “abandoned” by the Biden administration. This statement, made on Truth Social, sparked a flurry of online discussion and a swift response from Musk, who echoed Trump’s sentiment. However, the reality of the situation is far less dramatic.
This incident highlights a recurring theme in populist politics: blaming political rivals for virtually any issue. In this case, Trump inserts himself into the ongoing Boeing Starliner saga, creating a narrative of a rescue mission where none is needed. The astronauts in question, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, are not stranded or in danger but are actively contributing to the ISS crew. Their extended stay was a result of technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft, not a political decision.
The Real Story Behind the Extended ISS Stay
Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS aboard the CST-100 Starliner on June 5, 2024, for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. However, problems with the Starliner’s thrusters prompted NASA to deem it unsafe for their return. The uncrewed Starliner returned to Earth on September 7, while Williams and Wilmore integrated into the Expedition 71/72 crew.
ISS Spacewalk
A plan to return the astronauts was already in place since August 2024. This plan involved modifying the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to carry only two astronauts to the ISS, leaving two seats available for Williams and Wilmore’s return in late March or early April 2025. Crew-9, consisting of Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, launched on September 28, 2024.
Analyzing the Trump-Musk Narrative
Both Trump and Musk failed to acknowledge the existing return plan involving SpaceX. Musk’s claim of an expedited return mission lacks details and raises questions about its feasibility and necessity. Preparing a new Falcon 9 launch and Crew Dragon capsule would be costly and risky, especially with a return already scheduled weeks later. Furthermore, NASA would need to ensure a docking port is available, adding further complexity.
NASA’s response to the situation indicates they were caught off guard by the statements, promising to follow up on the matter. This unplanned mission, if executed, could potentially disrupt existing schedules and resources.
Political Posturing and Public Perception
The Trump-Musk exchange appears to be an attempt to criticize the Biden administration, despite their lack of involvement in the situation, and present themselves as rescuers. This strategy plays on public perception and can be effective in swaying opinions, even without factual basis.
The Impact on the Astronauts and SpaceX
Williams and Wilmore have adapted to their extended stay professionally. Williams even participated in a spacewalk in January 2025. While the 10-month stay is longer than anticipated, it is not unprecedented for astronauts to spend extended periods on the ISS. Some have even spent over a year in space.
SpaceX currently has four operational Crew Dragons, with a fifth under development for Crew-10. Using one of the existing capsules for an earlier return could impact the scheduled Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the ISS in April 2025.
Conclusion
Trump’s claim of rescuing stranded astronauts is a misrepresentation of the situation. The astronauts are safe, actively working on the ISS, and have a pre-existing return plan involving SpaceX. This incident serves as an example of how political narratives can distort reality, especially in the age of social media. The true story underscores the complex logistics of space travel and the importance of accurate information in public discourse.
