Washington, United States:
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth earlier this week after spending more than nine months in space – after what an ISS mission of eight days (International Space Station) would be. Despite the fact that they have been spent 278 days in space, NASA astronauts will not receive an overtime salary – to which US President Donald Trump has made an offer.
Because they are questioned about the calculated overtime hours of NASA astronauts, Mr. Trump said: “Nobody ever called this to me. If I have to, I will pay it out of my own pocket”.
Unlike commercial jobs, NASA astronauts are federal employees – which means that they get the same standard salary as other government employees. According to the general schedule, they do not get extra wages for extensive missions – including working overtime, on weekends or on vacation. Even traveling to space is considered official travel as government employees.
NASA deals with the transport, stay and meals of the astronauts. They also give extra money ($ 5) for small daily expenses that they call “incidentals”. Mrs. Williams and Mr. Wilmore spent a total of 286 days in space, so that they each get an extra $ 1,430 (RS 1.2,980) – in addition to their salary between $ 94,998 (RS 81.69,861) and $ 123.152 (RS 1.05.91.115).
As Trump was informed about the “Incidentals,” he said, “Is that all? That is not much for what they had to go through”.
During a press conference on the Oval Office, Mr. Trump Elon Musk thanked for returning NASA astronauts at home.
“If we don't have Elon … can they be there for a long time. Who else is going to get more? The body starts to deteriorate in space after 9-10 months. Do you think if we don't have time? He is (Elon Musk) a lot now,” said the US president.
Reporter: The two astronauts you just helped with the room, they were not paid overtime …@Potus: “If necessary, I will pay it out of my own pocket … and I want to thank @elonmusk By the way, because think if we don't have him. ” pic.twitter.com/b86ranxggp
– Fast response 47 (@Rapidresponse47) March 21, 2025
Sunita Williams returns home
Mrs. Williams and Mr. Wilmore, who had been to the ISS since 5 June last year, were flown back to the earth in Dragon SpaceCraft of SpaceX on Wednesday at the beginning of Wednesday. They splash along the east coast of Florida and stepped out of the capsule on stretchers – as usual.
Visuals from the astronauts smile and wave from the capsule and on the stretchers were blasted live worldwide.
Not only their families, but the return of the astronauts was celebrated all over the world.
While the flight back home was a challenge, NASA astronauts will take some time to return to normal life. They will go through a months of rehabilitation program to rebuild muscle mass and bone density – including strength training and mobility exercises.
