Stuck in Space: NASA's Stranded Astronauts Aren't Paid for Overtime, Trump Promises to Foot the Bill
NASA Doesn't Remunerate Astronauts for Extras Work During Stranded Periods
Let's get real, folks. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore found themselves stranded in the International Space Station (ISS) for a whopping eight months more than scheduled. And get this - they weren't paid a single penny for the extra time!
Officially, these space cowboys were just on a 40-hour workweek, and their travels, lodging, and grub were covered by NASA, according to a NASA spokesperson. Each astronaut would've also snagged five bucks a day for those "incidentals" (you know, unexpected expenses). Standard procedure, right?
Williams and Wilmore landed at the ISS in early June, but their expected departure was pushed back to about nine months later due to malfunctions with their "Starliner" spacecraft. Can you believe they've been back on terra firma for less than a week now?
Trump's been loud about slamming President Biden for the extended stay of the astronauts... all without offering any solid proof. When he was asked about their delayed overtime, Trump tossed out some casual remarks to the press, saying he'd "handle it" and, if need be, pay from his own wallet.
Sources: ntv.de, mbr/dpa | Science | Donald Trump | USA | Astronomy | ISS | NASA
- Observation: NASA doesn't provide overtime or holiday pay for astronauts on the ISS[1][2].
- Insight: Trump's promise to pay the overtime for astronauts Williams and Wilmore stems from his belief that their compensation wasn't sufficient for their extended stay[1]. The astronauts were initially scheduled for an eight-day trip but spent nearly nine months on the ISS[1].
- Side Note: The "incidental" allowance for astronauts is five dollars per day[1].
- Curiosity: Have other astronauts shared similar experiences with extended stays and unpaid overtime? It might be worth looking into NASA's policies regarding extended missions and compensation!
- The Commission, in response to the prolonged stay of astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore on the International Space Station, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation and potential unpaid overtime.
- Barry Wilmore, one of the stranded astronauts, has been known to communicate with the ground crew and the public via WhatsApp, sharing updates from the ISS during his extended stay.
- Despite the expenses associated with the unexpected nine-month extension of the mission for astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore, President Trump has pledged to personally cover any unpaid overtime they incurred during their time in space.
