Trump offers to pay astronauts' overtime personally

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth after a nine-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission was expected to last only eight days, but it was extended due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite their extended stay in space, the astronauts will not receive overtime pay. As federal employees, NASA astronauts follow government pay guidelines, which do not include extra pay for overtime. Their pay covers basic necessities during their missions, and they receive a small daily allowance of $4 for personal expenses, totaling around $1,430 for their time in space. US President Donald Trump reacted to the news about the lack of overtime pay. He expressed concern, stating he was unaware of the issue and offered to cover the costs himself if necessary. He remarked on the low allowance, saying, "That's not much for what they had to endure." Trump also took the opportunity to thank Elon Musk for the astronauts' safe return. He emphasized the importance of Musk's work in space travel, saying without him, the astronauts might still be in space, facing health risks after such a long duration. Post-mission, Williams and Wilmore will undergo rehabilitation to adjust back to life on Earth. The long stay in space can lead to health issues like muscle and bone loss, so they will need to rebuild strength and fitness through targeted exercises.