Christmas photo of astronauts on International Space Station sparks number of conspiracy theories

Social media users were quick to question the snap

The pair attempted to spread som festive cheer from the International Space Station but instead sparked wild conspiracy theories.

The crew embarked on an eight day mission on June 5 but their trip was extended indefinitely due to technical problems with their spacecraft leaving them to celebrate Christmas in orbit.

The astronauts posted a holiday-themed photo wearing Santa hats alongside a tiny Christmas tree in a social media update.

On December 16, NASA’s Johnson Space Center posted the now-viral photo to Instagram. In the image, Williams is seen wearing a red Santa hat alongside fellow astronaut Don Pettit, who was speaking on a ham radio.

The caption read: “Another day, another sleigh.

“@nasaastronauts Don Pettit and Suni Williams, Expedition 72 flight engineer and commander, pose for a fun holiday season portrait while speaking on a ham radio inside the International Space Station’s Columbus laboratory module.”

However, social media users were quick to ask questions about why the ISS had a number of Christmas items onboard.

One Instagram user said: “8-day mission that’s turned into months long and they’ve somehow got Christmas hats?”

Another said: “If your original trip was only supposed to be 8 days back in JUNE, how did you get Christmas hats??"

While a third commented: "So for a mission in June that you said takes 8 days now six months later and you post this? So we are expected to believe you packed Christmas attire in June lol ok then."

Some theorised that it pointed to it being ‘one big show’, accusing them of filming in a studio on Earth.

One user quipped: “Welcome to Hollywood.”

However, Nasa tried to clear up the speculation, telling the New York Post that the Santa hats, decorations, presents and holiday meals were delivered as part of a SpaceX resupply mission in late November.

These routine deliveries replenish the ISS several times a year, and this one included holiday-themed items to brighten the crew’s Christmas.

The shipment featured ham, turkey, potatoes, vegetables, pies, and cookies, alongside scientific equipment and mission supplies. The hats and Christmas tree were tucked in as extra festive touches.

Williams also posted a holiday video wishing everyone a joyous season, saying: “It’s a great time up here, we get to spend it with all of our ‘family’ on the International Space Station. There are seven of us up here, and so we’re going to get to enjoy company together.

“One of the best things that I like about Christmas is the preparation and just getting ready, the anticipation, everybody getting together and preparing stuff and just getting ready for the holiday.”

Their mission was disrupted when the Boeing Starliner capsule encountered numerous issues, including leaks that rendered its thrusters inoperable.

NASA decided to return the spacecraft unmanned in September, leaving the pair stranded.

They are now scheduled to return with a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule docked to the ISS. Initially planned for an early February return, that departure has been postponed to late March.