NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spent eight days at the International Space Station but were stranded for nine months due to unforeseen issues.
Initially scheduled to return to Earth in 2023, their journey was extended due to technical problems with the Boeing Starliner. They are now expected to return after March 19. The focus has shifted to their compensation for this extended mission.
As federal employees, NASA astronauts do not receive overtime pay. Their spaceflight is treated as if they were on Earth.
Both Williams and Wilmore are in the GS-15 pay grade, with an annual salary between $125,133 and $162,672 (Rs. 1.08 crore – 1.41 crore). For the additional nine months, their earnings are estimated to be around $93,850 to $122,004 (Rs. 81 lakh to 1.05 crore).
Additionally, they receive a $4 daily incidental allowance, totaling $1,148 (Rs. 1 lakh) for 287 days. In total, their earnings range between $94,998 and $123,152 (Rs. 82 lakh – 1.06 crore).
Despite the physical and mental stress, their pay remains unchanged, although NASA covers healthcare. With the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft’s successful mission, they are set to return to Earth and gradually recover.
