Donald Trump said, that has instructed SpaceX as soon as possible to return two NASA astronauts, which are "actually abandoned" on the ISS since last summer. At the same time NASA already has a planned mission for their return.
Ilon Musk confirmed, that received a request from Trump, and criticized Biden's administration for delayed. However, this statement caused confusion, After all, official messages from NASA or White House were not, And the return of astronauts has long been provided in the mission schedule.
Why astronauts are still on the ISS?
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore arrived at the station in June on the ship CST-100 Starliner from Boeing. They had to stay there only 8 days, But because of the malfunction of NASA engines decided to postpone their return. In August, it became clear, that Starliner will not be able to return the crew safely, So NASA decided to turn them on board Crew Dragon within the Crew-9 mission.
However, the launch of the next mission of CREW-10 is delayed due to technical problems, that automatically delayed Crew-9. Expected, that astronauts will return no earlier than April.
Did they really "abandoned?
NASA assures, that Williams and Wilmore could return to Earth in the event of an emergency and that their stay at the station is planned, not forced. Astronauts themselves also do not express concern.
Despite Trump's statements and mask, NASA emphasizes, that this is not a “rescue mission”, And the usual crew rotation, which is delayed for technical reasons, not through political decisions.