Renowned astronaut Sunita Williams has spent an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to delays in NASA's Crew-8 mission. Originally scheduled for a six-month stint, her extended stay has sparked a debate over astronaut compensation.

Former astronaut Cady Coleman, weighed in on the matter, explaining that NASA astronauts are salaried employees, meaning they receive a fixed annual salary regardless of mission duration. Unlike commercial astronauts, who are compensated per mission, government astronauts like Williams won't receive additional pay for the extra months in orbit. However, the prestige of an extended ISS mission and the invaluable experience gained are seen as significant rewards.

As Williams prepares to return home, her prolonged space mission raises broader questions about the compensation and conditions of astronauts undertaking high-risk, extended-duration spaceflights.