NASA Astronauts Set to Return After Extended Stay on ISS Amid Overtime Pay Debate
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Boch Whelmore, who have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months due to unexpected technical issues, are now preparing to return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft before March 19. Their extended stay has sparked a debate regarding the overtime pay they should receive for their prolonged mission.
According to retired NASA astronaut, Kaylyn Coleman, astronauts do not receive special overtime pay. As federal employees, their time spent in space is considered equivalent to regular work travel on Earth. They continue to receive their regular salaries, which cover their food and accommodation costs on the ISS.
Coleman revealed that in the event of accidents, astronauts reportedly receive a daily extra compensation of just $4 (approximately 347 PKR). She recalled that during her own mission in 2010-11, where she spent 159 days in space, she received only $636 (over 55,000 PKR) as additional pay. Based on this, Sunita Williams and Boch Whelmore, after spending 287 days in space, are expected to receive about $1,148 (roughly 1 lakh PKR) as extra pay each.
