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Conspiracy theories are running wild on social media, after NASA posted a video of astronauts at the International Space Station wishing everyone back on Earth a Merry Christmas.
From the New York Post: When the astronauts stranded at the International Space Station were pictured wearing Santa hats next to a tiny Christmas tree this week, internet commenters had questions.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, after all, launched in June on what was supposed to be an eight-day mission to space — but they’ve been stranded ever since thanks to problems with the Boeing Starliner capsule that was meant to be their ride home.
Now many social media users are questioning how they got those Christmas hats and ornaments on the space station, and are wildly suggesting it’s all a big conspiracy.
The video just released on Monday shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams, Don Pettit, Nick Hague, and Butch Wilmore taking turns with the microphone to share their Christmas wishes, as striped candy canes float through the air like snowflakes.
WATCH:
To everyone on Earth, Merry Christmas from our @NASA_Astronauts aboard the International @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/GoOZjXJYLP
— NASA (@NASA) December 23, 2024
The New York Post reported there’s an easy explanation for all that Christmas cheer on the Space Station:
The Post has confirmed with NASA that the Santa hats — as well as other decorations, special presents for the ISS crew members and Christmas meals — were part of a 3-ton SpaceX delivery in late November.
The International Space Station is replenished with supplies several times each year.
The food delivery included ham, turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and even pies and cookies. Other mission-specific and scientific items were part of the delivery. And with some of the extra space, NASA sent a few festive items for the astronauts, including the hats and Christmas tree.
There are currently 7 astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Others on board include NASA astronaut and photographer Don Pettit, NASA’s Nick Hague and the Russian Space Agency’s Alexander Gorbunov.
NASA also posted photos of the astronauts. The following photo is of Suni Williams and Don Pettit:
The Exp 72 crew wrapped up the week installing futuristic exercise gear and cleaning up after a spacewalk before the holidays begin. https://t.co/ZUkoZAnPRt
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) December 20, 2024
Astronaut Nick Hague shared additional photos:
When I think of the holidays, I think of dinners at Christmas, with family and friends gathered for a delicious meal and dessert! For me, it’s cookies. Sugar, mint chocolate, peanut butter; my Dad bakes some of the best on the planet. I wish I had some while I’m off the planet! pic.twitter.com/oEddvsz5BL
— Nick Hague (@AstroHague) December 23, 2024
Without understanding that supplies are regularly delivered to the Space Station, conspiracy theories are abounding on social media:
“Did they take Santa hats with them before they launched in September? Or did they knit them while they are there? Asking for a fren 😏,” one suspicious X user asked.
Did they take Santa hats with them before they launched in September? Or did they knit them while they are there? Asking for a fren 😏
— Massimus Prime 🦂 (@Massimus27) December 24, 2024
“Who delivered the Christmas hats and decorations?? So…u thought far enough in advance to pack them when extra space in the capsule is at a very high premium?? hmmm,” another person wrote.
who delivered the Christmas hats and decorations?? So…u thought far enough in advance to pack them when extra space in the capsule is at a very high premium?? hmmm
— @justme🇺🇸 (@usafirstforever) December 24, 2024
“Seriously? How did they know to have all these Christmas decorations with them when they were only going in an 8 day mission? This has to be parody,” another doubtful X user claimed.
Seriously? How did they know to have all these Christmas decorations with them when they were only going in an 8 day mission? This has to be parody
— Trump Is Still My President (@jsherman376) December 24, 2024
One TikTok user, @premisterlin, posted a video saying something doesn’t add up.
These the same guys who went up for an 8 day mission in June? pic.twitter.com/M13thtqvzA
— Susan Goss (@ornery_owls) December 24, 2024
People.com explained that the trip back to Earth has now been delayed until March 2025:
Earlier this month, NASA announced the spacecraft that will ferry four astronauts to the International Space Station to retrieve Williams and Wilmore — as well as Hague and Gorbunov — from outer space won’t be ready to launch until “no earlier than late March 2025.”
This timeline differs from NASA’s previous statement that the astronauts would return home to Earth in February 2025.
According to NASA, the month-long delay allows the NASA and SpaceX teams time to “complete processing” on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission, which will offer “the best option for meeting NASA’s requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025.”
The new spacecraft is scheduled to arrive in Florida by early January, NASA said.
🚀 NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June 2024, have had their return to Earth delayed once again. Originally, their mission was expected to last only about eight to ten… pic.twitter.com/JjUUZH2e7d
— Daniel Gatz (@DanielGatzOnX) December 21, 2024
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