Unexpected Crew Swap: NASA Plans Early Return for Stranded Astronauts

NASA plans to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the ISS earlier than expected. SpaceX will swap capsules to facilitate their mid-March return. Their mission, initially planned for a brief stay, extended to eight months due to delays and technical challenges.

NASA's plans to bring two astronauts back to Earth have been advanced by a few weeks. The announced change will see Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams return mid-March.

SpaceX will use a different capsule to speed up their journey home, initially delayed due to various technical issues.

The lengthy mission, which lasted much longer than anticipated, reflects the unpredictable nature of human spaceflight as NASA addresses the delays and ensures a smooth transition for inbound and outbound crews.

(With inputs from agencies.)