NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have spent nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), are finally preparing to return to Earth. Their extended stay has sparked discussions around political influences, with Williams and Wilmore asserting that politics were not a factor in their prolonged mission. Despite claims from Elon Musk regarding an offer to facilitate an earlier return, the astronauts stated they were unaware of any such arrangement. The Starliner crew, part of a broader mission that included significant research and physical challenges in microgravity, is now eagerly looking forward to their return, with a landing date expected soon. As they reflect on their time in space, they also address the physical effects of prolonged zero gravity, including experiences dubbed ‘baby feet’. The situation has garnered attention from various political figures, adding layers to the narrative surrounding their return.