Donald Trump assured stranded astronauts of a rescue, hinting that a SpaceX mission could launch within two weeks.
In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump addressed astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).
They have spent nearly a year in space after planning an eight-day mission. Trump expressed his concern and promised that help is on the way.
Astronauts have endured a long wait to return from space.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams docked at the ISS in June 2024. They expected to return to Earth after a short mission.
However, complications with the Boeing Starliner capsule have kept them stuck in space much longer than planned. The situation has become frustrating for everyone involved.
Trump assures stranded astronauts of rescue and hints at SpaceX mission launching in two weeks
During a press conference, Trump stated, “We’re coming up to get you.” He mentioned that Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing to launch a rescue mission.
This mission is expected to happen in about two weeks. He seemed confident that the astronauts would soon be back on solid ground.
Trump did not hold back when discussing how the astronauts ended up stranded.
He criticized President Joe Biden, saying, “Biden left them up there.” He urged that action should have been taken sooner.
Trump’s comments reflect his belief that the current administration is not doing enough to support American astronauts.
During the press conference, Trump added, “There’s a danger up there.” He emphasized the risks that Wilmore and Williams face while waiting in space.
He called for immediate action to bring them back safely. The former president highlighted the importance of rescuing them quickly to avoid any potential problems.
Support from SpaceX
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, is reportedly working on a solution. Trump mentioned that he had spoken with Musk, asking him to assist in the rescue.
The collaboration between Trump and Musk showcases the private sector’s role in space exploration.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We have two astronauts that are stuck in space. I have asked Elon, I said, ‘Do me a favor. Can you get them out?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ He is preparing to go up, I think in two weeks.”
The president said that “Biden was embarrassed by what happened, and he said, ‘leave them up there.’ I would have said,
‘If you’re embarrassed, you got to get them out.’ Elon is right now preparing a ship to go up and get them.”
Trump said that his message to Wilmore and Williams was: “We love you, and we’re coming up to get you, and you shouldn’t have been up there so long.”
“The most incompetent president in our history has allowed that to happen to you, but this president won’t let it happen,” Trump added.
Astronauts feel supported and hopeful despite their extended time in space.
Wilmore and Williams have expressed their feelings about the situation. They do not feel abandoned, despite the long wait.
“We don’t feel abandoned, we don’t feel stuck, we don’t feel stranded,” Wilmore said. “I understand why others may think that.”
Williams added, “It was a little bit longer stay than we had expected,” but “we’ve made the most of it.”
Both astronauts are eager to return home. They have made the best of their time in space, but the extended stay has been tough.
Williams noted, “It was a little bit longer stay than we had expected.” They remain hopeful that the upcoming SpaceX mission will bring them back safely.
