Astronauts’ Pay for Extended Stay in Space

Two NASA astronauts, Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams, recently wrapped up an extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS). However, despite their unusual situation, they won’t receive hefty overtime pay.

Unexpected Stay on the ISS

Originally, Wilmore and Williams were scheduled for only an 8-day mission. However, malfunctions with their returning vehicle kept them on the ISS much longer, leading to multiple extensions. They finally returned to Earth on March 18, landing in Florida aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon.

No Big Overtime Payouts

Though they’ll receive pay, their compensation won’t be massive. Former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman explained the payment structure to Washingtonian. She clarified that astronauts earn their standard salary without overtime benefits.

Incidentals and Allowances

Astronauts do get a small amount for incidentals. For Coleman, that was around $4 a day during her 159-day mission in 2010-11. Based on this, Wilmore and Williams are expected to earn around $1,148 each in additional allowances.

Base Salaries and Earnings

Both astronauts hold GS-15 rankings, the highest tier in the US General Pay Schedule. Their base salaries range from $125,133 to $162,672 per year. Considering the nine-month extension, their prorated earnings will be between $93,850 and $122,004. With incidentals, their total earnings from the mission will range from $94,998 to $123,152.

A Unique Experience

While the payout might not be life-changing, it’s still a decent amount for an unforgettable experience. After all, how many people can say they’ve been stranded in space and lived to tell the tale?

Back to Earth

Despite the pay structure, Wilmore and Williams seem more focused on the joy of returning home. Footage from their landing shows the astronauts in high spirits, smiling and waving at the cameras.

Welcome back, Butch and Suni!