Nasa astronauts stuck in space face more delays
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore address misconceptions about their extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS) and share their experiences.
When NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2023 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, they expected a short 10-day mission. However, due to technical issues with the Starliner, their stay has been extended to nearly 10 months. Despite media headlines labeling them as “stranded astronauts,” Williams and Wilmore are setting the record straight: they don’t feel abandoned or stuck.
In this article, we’ll explore their journey, their work aboard the ISS, and why they’re calling for a change in the narrative surrounding their mission.
What Happened to Boeing’s Starliner Mission?
Williams and Wilmore’s mission was the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, during the approach and docking maneuvers, the Starliner experienced thruster malfunctions. This led to an extensive investigation by NASA and Boeing, delaying the astronauts’ return.
Instead of returning on the Starliner, the duo was reassigned to SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, which arrived at the ISS in late September 2023. Their stay was further extended when NASA delayed the launch of Crew-10, pushing their return to Earth to March 2024.
Life Aboard the ISS: Work, Records, and Adaptability
Despite the extended stay, Williams and Wilmore have been busy fulfilling their duties aboard the ISS. Here’s what they’ve accomplished:
- Suni Williams broke the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman.
- Both astronauts have continued conducting scientific experiments and maintaining the ISS.
- They’ve adapted quickly to life in microgravity, showcasing their experience from previous long-duration missions.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Williams shared, “It’s amazing how quickly you adapt. I remember what it’s like floating, and it’s just incredible.”
Addressing the “Stranded Astronauts” Narrative
Media headlines and political rhetoric have often described Williams and Wilmore as “stranded” in space. However, the astronauts emphasize that mission extensions are part of the job.
“We don’t feel abandoned. We don’t feel stuck. We don’t feel stranded,” Wilmore told Cooper. He added that all ISS astronauts are prepared for emergencies and could return to Earth immediately if necessary.
Wilmore also called for a change in the narrative: “Help us change the rhetoric. Let’s change it to ‘prepared and committed.’”
When Will Williams and Wilmore Return to Earth?
NASA has set a tentative return date for the astronauts. Here’s the latest update:
- The Crew-10 mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 12, 2024.
- Williams and Wilmore will return aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, Endurance, alongside Crew-9 astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.
- A typical crew overlap lasts about a week, so the astronauts are expected to depart the ISS around March 19, 2024.
Key Takeaways from the Astronauts’ Experience
- Mission extensions are normal in space exploration, and astronauts are trained to handle them.
- Williams and Wilmore have used their time aboard the ISS productively, contributing to scientific research and breaking records.
- The astronauts are calling for a shift in how their mission is portrayed, emphasizing preparedness and commitment over sensationalism.
