After staying nine months stranded in space, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams They finally managed to return to Earth. Astronauts of the POT They landed successfully aboard the ship SPACEX CREW DRONGthe company of Elon Musk. The return occurred on Tuesday March 18 at 17:57 EDTwhen the capsule in which they were traveling on the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, United States.
The initial objective of the mission was to perform a single test flight Eight days In the spacecraft Starliner of Boeingin June last year. However, astronauts ended up remaining In space for 286 daysdue to failures in the ship’s propulsion system, which forced them to wait in the International Space Station (EEI) Until its rescue.
How much NASA astronauts will charge
Beyond the challenge of being away from their loved ones, this additional time in space was productive for astronauts. During its prolonged stay, Butch Wilmore (62) and Suni Williams (59) carried out more than 150 scientific experiments and made essential space walks for the maintenance of the US.
In this context, Suni Williams He managed to accumulate 62 hours and 6 minutes of extravehicular activity, thus achieving a Historical record Among women’s astronauts.
For most people, spending a minute in space would be unthinkable, even if it was offered one million dollars. So, the question of how much these astronauts will receive for their extensive mission and if they will have an additional payment for extra hours.
NASA made it clear that The answer is no. In an official statement, the space agency explained: “When NASA astronauts are aboard the International Space StationThey receive a regular 40 -hour weekly salary. They do not receive payment for extra hours or for vacations or weekends. “
According to Fortunethe annual salary of NASA astronauts is 152,258 dollarsbased on salary rates of 2024 (even without updated adjustments).
A NASA spokesman, in dialogue with Fortuneratified that astronauts work 40 hours per weekwithout extra compensation for holidays or weekends, although practically work every day.
In addition, they receive additional compensation for each day in space. However, as is a long -term missionthis sum amounts to alone 5 dollars dailywhich is equivalent to $ 1,430 for the 286 days They were in space.
“When NASA astronauts are aboard the International Space Station, they receive regular 40 -hour weekly salaries,”the agency said in his statement to Fortune. “During their stay in space, NASA astronauts have official travel orders as federal employees, so they are provided with transport, accommodation and meals”.
The POT He also points out that astronauts are granted a temporary travel permit (TDY) long -lasting and an additional amount for unforeseen expenses, adjusted according to federal regulations.
According to the magazine Peopleastronauts are in the Salary level 12-13 of the General System (GS). According to FederalPay.org, “This degree is granted to high -level scientists with advanced titles or training. Astronauts have doctorates and a lot of specialized training, so they qualify for one of these two degrees”.
How they lived the experience of being nine months in space
So much Wilmore as Williams They were aware that their mission could extend, since it is a Inherent risk to space trips. Both denied the versions they suggested that they had been abandoned in space.
“That has been rhetoric. That has been the narrative since the first day: stranded, abandoned, trapped, and I understand. We both understand it.”he declared Wilmore In an interview with CNN. “But, I repeat, that is not the purpose of our manned space flight program. We do not feel abandoned, we do not feel trapped, we do not feel stranded”.
Source: Ambito
