On Friday, President Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting he would personally cover the overtime costs for astronauts who recently returned from their mission at the International Space Station. This statement came during an interaction with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, who highlighted that astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore did not receive their expected overtime pay for the additional days spent in space.
According to Doocy, the astronauts were supposed to receive a modest pay of $5 a day, which totals approximately $1,430 for the 286 days they spent in orbit. In response, Trump expressed surprise at the situation, stating, “Nobody ever mentioned this to me. If I have to, I’ll pay it out of my own pocket? OK, I’ll get it for them.” He further emphasized that the amount was not significant considering the challenging experiences the astronauts faced.
During his remarks, Trump also took a moment to thank Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, for the successful return of the astronauts. Williams and Wilmore made a safe splashdown on Earth on Tuesday, marking a significant achievement in space travel. On Friday evening, a SpaceX crew arrived at the International Space Station with replacements for Williams and Wilmore, initiating their journey back home.
Trump highlighted the critical nature of timely rescue operations for astronauts, noting the potential health risks associated with prolonged stays in space. “Think of, if we don’t have him. You know, there’s only so long — even though they’re in the capsule up there — the body starts to deteriorate after nine or 10 months,” he explained. He pointed out the serious health implications that could arise after extended periods in space, particularly beyond 14 or 15 months, affecting bones and blood. “If we don’t have Elon, they could be up there a long time. Who else is going to get them?” Trump questioned, underscoring the importance of reliable partnerships in space exploration.
President Trump's comments not only shed light on the overtime pay issue for astronauts but also reflect his appreciation for the efforts of private companies like SpaceX in advancing space exploration. As the space industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between government agencies and private enterprises plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts in their missions beyond Earth.
