NASA Astronauts Received Huge Offer From Donald Trump On Their Return After 286 Days!
Former President Donald Trump recently shared his thoughts on the extended stay of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the International Space Station (ISS). After spending a record nine months in space, the astronauts splashed down off the coast of Florida on March 18, only to face unexpected technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule that caused their mission to be extended.
The Unexpected Stay in Space
The mission, which was meant to be a routine six-month stint, was delayed when the Starliner capsule encountered technical problems, forcing the NASA astronauts to stay on the ISS for nearly 41 weeks longer than originally planned. The extended stay raised questions about whether Wilmore and Williams would receive additional pay for the extra time spent in space, a concern that Donald Trump was quick to address.
Trump Blames the Biden Administration
In a previous statement, Trump criticized the Biden administration for allegedly “abandoning” the NASA astronauts, claiming that Elon Musk had offered to bring them home sooner. While both NASA and the astronauts denied any knowledge of Musk’s involvement, Trump seemed to suggest that the delay was not acceptable, telling reporters, “We have two astronauts that are stuck in space.”
Astronauts’ Pay for Extended Time in Space
When the topic of astronaut pay came up, Trump was asked about the astronauts’ compensation for their extended stay. The reporter pointed out that Wilmore and Williams would not receive any overtime pay for the additional 286 days they spent on the ISS, despite the fact that their mission was significantly prolonged.
A NASA spokesperson confirmed that astronauts are paid a regular salary while aboard the ISS and do not receive overtime or holiday pay, regardless of how long their missions last. Additionally, astronauts receive a small allowance for incidental expenses while on Temporary Duty (TDY) during their space missions.
Trump’s Response: Willing to Pay Out of Pocket
Trump, however, seemed to sympathize with the astronauts’ situation, stating, “Nobody’s ever mentioned this to me. If I have to, I’ll pay it out of my own pocket, okay? I’ll get it for them.” He expressed surprise at the small amount of compensation for such a significant and challenging mission, saying, “That’s not a lot for what they had to go through.”
Musk’s Role in Bringing Astronauts Home
Trump also took the opportunity to thank Elon Musk for his role in the astronauts’ return to Earth. He praised Musk’s SpaceX company, which provided the necessary capsule to safely bring Wilmore and Williams back, acknowledging that their mission might have been much more difficult without Musk’s involvement.
In the end, while the astronauts’ pay remains unchanged, Trump’s remarks have brought attention to the challenges faced by those in space and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
