Astronauts actually get stuck in space all the time

Spacecraft trouble, weather and geopolitics have stranded astronauts since at least the ‘70s

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore float in the International Space Station.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams (R) and Butch Wilmore (L) were scheduled to return from the International Space Station in mid-June. But a malfunction on the Starliner spacecraft has prevented the duo from making the return trip to Earth. Logistical complications could keep them in orbit until February.

NASA

Imagine going on a weeklong business trip and not coming home until the following year.