Rescue team joins astronauts after nine months in space

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were finally received by a new team at the International Space Station (ISS) after being held for more than nine months. The pair arrived at ISS last June aboard the Boeing Starliner ship, which was performing its first manned flight, but propulsion problems made it impossible to return to Earth.

What was supposed to be a few days mission has gone for a long time for a period far than usual, as the crew rotations at ISS usually last about six months.

The situation can now be resolved, with the return of Wilmore and Williams to Earth scheduled for next Wednesday, after the new team of astronauts aboard Spacex’s Nave Crew Dragon.