Elon Musk accuses Biden of blocking SpaceX mission to bring Sunita Williams home

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has alleged that the Biden administration deliberately delayed the return of Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS), despite his company offering a rescue mission months ago.
Musk took to X to claim that the astronauts, originally set for an eight-day mission, have been stranded in orbit for over eight months due to White House interference. “SpaceX could have sent up another Dragon and brought them home 6 months ago, but the Biden White House (not Nasa ) refused to allow it,” Musk wrote.
He added that President Donald Trump intervened, pushing for their immediate return.

Williams and Wilmore flew to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 6, 2024, but Nasa deemed the spacecraft unsafe for reentry, forcing an indefinite delay. Now, they will return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, taking the open seats left by the departing Crew-9 astronauts.
Musk previously warned about the dangers of prolonged spaceflight, particularly its impact on astronauts' health. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast last year, he emphasised the risks of microgravity, including bone loss. “There isn't anyone else to do it. Nasa can’t get them. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is the only one that is considered safe enough to bring them back,” he said.
He also criticised Boeing’s Starliner, citing Nasa ’s decision to keep it grounded. “Nasa concluded that the Boeing spacecraft was not safe. So that’s why they’re stuck there,” Musk stated.


Despite Musk’s accusations, Wilmore dismissed the notion that political factors played a role in their delayed return.
"From my standpoint, politics is not playing into this at all," he said during a pre-departure press conference from the ISS. He explained that extended stays are a routine part of human spaceflight, with missions always planning for contingencies.
When asked about Musk’s claim that SpaceX could have brought them home earlier, Wilmore responded carefully. "I can only say that Mr. Musk, what he says is absolutely factual," he said. However, he added that they had no direct knowledge of any rescue offers or discussions between SpaceX and the White House.

Williams and Wilmore are now scheduled to return to Earth after the launch of Crew-10 from Kennedy Space Center on March 12. Once the new crew arrives, Crew-9—Williams, Wilmore, and their crewmates—will depart aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon, landing off the Florida coast.
Reflecting on their prolonged stay, Wilmore described the experience as "fascinating" and "amazing," appreciating the opportunity to train on multiple spacecraft. Williams echoed his sentiments, saying she is eager to finally return home.
"Coming home in the spacecraft will be a new chapter, and (we're) excited about it," she said.
Their return will mark the end of a lengthy mission that has sparked debate over Nasa ’s reliance on commercial partners, the safety of Boeing’s Starliner, and the role of politics in spaceflight decisions.