They went for 8 days, it's been 100... Astronauts stranded in space speak to the world

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encountered helium leaks and technical issues with its reaction control thrusters while approaching the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6. This situation caused the astronauts to spend a period of time in space far exceeding their planned 8-day mission.

NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams reached the International Space Station on June 6 aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and have been stranded there since that date.

The duo held their first press conference on Friday and described their experiences.

The long-duration space flight has been challenging for the astronauts and their families. Wilmore said that due to the delay in their return, he would miss his youngest daughter's senior year of high school, and that they were unable to spend summer vacation with his older daughter before she returned to university.

Sunita Williams stated that she misses her husband and her dogs, but that being able to watch the Earth from space is peaceful.

'WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE EXTRA TIME'

Williams and Wilmore stated that despite all the difficulties, they are "grateful" for the extra time they have spent in space.

Williams expressed that she is happy to have had the opportunity to get to know the SpaceX Dragon capsule after the Boeing Starliner returned to Earth in June.

Wilmore said that there is no pressure on the bones in zero gravity and that this situation reduces joint pain.

Williams and Wilmore stated that they do not feel any ill will toward NASA and Boeing and thanked them for their hospitality. Williams said, "We are here with our friends and we know that we will eventually find a vehicle to return home." Despite the challenges they faced during their time in space, the astronauts stated that they view this experience positively as part of their mission.

WHAT HAPPENED?

NASA and Boeing detected helium leaks as Starliner approached the space station on June 6, and the spacecraft experienced issues with its reaction control thrusters. Following these developments, astronauts Wilmore and Williams became stranded at the International Space Station, where they were planned to stay for 8 days.

After weeks of testing both on the ground using replica hardware and in orbit, NASA decided on August 24 that Starliner would return to Earth empty, and announced that Wilmore and Williams would instead return home in February 2025 using a SpaceX capsule.

News Source: 12punto