The SpaceX Crew-9 mission, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, was specifically launched to provide a safe return option for Williams and Wilmore.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are safe aboard the ISS without risk from their extended stay. Their rescue mission is scheduled for February 2025, following a series of technical issues with their Boeing Starliner,

After months of uncertainty, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, travelling in the SpaceX Dragon capsule, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday to bring back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore,