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Elon Musk Praises SpaceX Team for Safely Returning Astronauts Stuck in Space
Elon Musk commended the SpaceX team for their "excellent work" in safely bringing back astronauts who were stranded in space. He addressed concerns of "domestic terrorism" against his company due to his association with former President Donald Trump and others during an interview on "Hannity."
Astronauts Return to Earth After Extended Stay in Space
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth on Tuesday after spending significantly more time in space than originally planned. The duo had been in orbit for 286 days, far exceeding the initial one-week mission duration when they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024.
They were accompanied by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who spent 171 days in space. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the Crew-9 mission splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Tallahassee, Florida. The recovery operation was swift, and the capsule was reported to be in good condition.
NASA and SpaceX announced the safe return of Crew-9, which coincided with the arrival of a new four-person crew at the International Space Station (ISS) over the weekend.
Extended Stay Due to Technical Issues
Wilmore and Williams’ prolonged stay in space was a result of technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which had transported them to the ISS. NASA and Boeing decided in early September to delay their return to gather additional test data and ensure the spacecraft’s safety. The decision was prompted by concerns about the spacecraft’s reaction control system during its journey in June 2024.
Astronauts’ Compensation and Work on the ISS
With Crew-9 back on Earth, questions arose about how NASA compensates astronauts during their time in space. A NASA spokesperson confirmed that astronauts receive their regular salaries while on the ISS, without overtime or holiday pay. In 2024, NASA astronaut salaries averaged over $152,000 annually.
Additionally, astronauts are provided with transportation, accommodation, and meals while in space, as they are considered federal employees on official travel. They also receive a daily incidental allowance of $5, which would amount to $1,430 for Wilmore and Williams during their extended mission.
Scientific Contributions
During their time aboard the ISS, the crew conducted over 900 hours of research, contributing to vital scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities. The orbiting laboratory, located approximately 250 miles above Earth, serves as a hub for groundbreaking research in microgravity.
Elon Musk’s Reaction
In an interview with Sean Hannity, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed his relief and pride in the successful return of the astronauts.
"I’m usually a bit nervous about these landings because there’s always a risk something could go wrong. But thanks to the outstanding work of the SpaceX team in collaboration with NASA, the astronauts are now safely home," Musk said.
He also extended his congratulations to his teams at SpaceX and NASA, acknowledging their hard work. Musk credited former President Donald Trump for his support in accelerating the astronauts’ return.
Trump’s Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump is eager to welcome Wilmore and Williams to the Oval Office once they have had time to recover from their mission.
During an interview on "The Ingraham Angle," Trump shared his plans to meet the astronauts, emphasizing the challenges they faced after spending nearly nine months in space.
"They need to recover. It’s not easy—they’ve been up there for a long time. Once they’re ready, they’ll come to the Oval Office," he said.
Looking Ahead
With Crew-9 back on Earth and a new team now stationed at the ISS, NASA continues its mission to explore space and advance scientific knowledge. The successful collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and other stakeholders highlights the resilience and innovation driving human space exploration.
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