Astronauts Wilmore and Williams Face Extended Stay on ISS After Starliner Returns Without Them
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have shared the challenges they’ve faced since Boeing’s Starliner capsule returned to Earth without them, extending their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by several months. Initially planned to last just eight days, their stay has now been extended to more than eight months due to issues with the Boeing capsule.
Unplanned Extension: “It Was Tough at Times”
The astronauts candidly discussed their situation during a news conference held from the ISS, which orbits 260 miles (420 kilometers) above Earth. Wilmore described the difficulty of watching their spacecraft leave without them. “As spacecraft pilots, you don’t want to see it go off without you, but that’s where we wound up,” he said. Despite the challenges, both astronauts acknowledged that long delays are part of space exploration, especially when testing new spacecraft.
Starliner Troubles Grounded Return
Boeing’s Starliner capsule successfully took the pair to the ISS in June, marking Boeing’s first crewed flight. However, after the capsule experienced thruster failures and helium leaks, NASA determined it was too risky for Wilmore and Williams to use for their return. The capsule safely landed in New Mexico earlier this month, but Boeing’s future in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program remains uncertain as the company works through these technical issues.
Adjusting to Extended ISS Life
Both astronauts have fully integrated into the ISS crew, contributing to routine tasks and experiments. Williams will soon take command of the space station, joining seven other crew members, including two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut who arrived on a Soyuz spacecraft earlier this week. The station’s crew will expand further when two more astronauts arrive via SpaceX later this month. Seats for Wilmore and Williams are reserved on the return flight.
Despite the unexpected extension, the astronauts have adapted well. Williams, who has previously completed two long-term ISS missions, described the space station as her “happy place.” Wilmore, on the other hand, said his adjustment was “nearly instantaneous.”
Coping with Missing Milestones Back Home
In addition to technical challenges, the astronauts are missing out on significant personal milestones. Williams expressed concern about missing time with her mother, while Wilmore lamented not being present for his youngest daughter’s final year of high school. However, both remain focused on their mission. Wilmore even requested an absentee ballot to ensure he can vote in the upcoming November election from orbit.
A Test Pilot’s Perspective: Looking Forward
Though disappointed they didn’t get to return aboard Starliner, the astronauts highlighted their role as test pilots. “We’re testers, that’s what we do,” Williams said, noting the opportunity to fly two different spacecraft—Starliner and SpaceX—during the same mission.
Despite the setbacks, the astronauts remain optimistic and ready to continue their work. As Wilmore summarized, “You have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity.”
Their experience underscores the challenges and risks of space exploration, particularly with new technology, and the resilience required of those who embark on these missions.