NASA astronauts speak after 9 months of surprise at the International Space Station

On June 5, 2024, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore soared into the blue sky in a new Boeing capsule called Starliner. What is their mission? To test the spacecraft, dock with the International Space Station (ISS) and return to your hometown in a few days.

Instead, the two returned to SpaceX Crew Dragon March 18 – More than nine months later.

During its inaugural assignment, the Starliner or CST-100 encountered several problems, including helium leakage and thruster issues.

Between Boeing and NASA, and Williams and Wilmore, it is best to return the capsule without a crew due to safety concerns.

It was taken home safely in September, and astronauts were left to wait for other journeys.

It is widely reported in social media and news media that astronauts are “stuck” or “stuck” on the International Space Station. But at the first press conference since returning, both Williams and Wilmore said they didn’t feel that way.

“We heard of this,” Williams said with a smile in response to the narrative on Monday.

It’s all about planning, Wilmore said.

“We’ve said before: We have a plan, right? That plan goes for the plan we planned. But because we’re in human space, we’re preparing for any number of unexpected events.” “Because it’s a winding road. You never know where it’s going.”

Instead, Williams and Wilmore officially became part of the Expedition 71/72 staff, working and conducting experiments

They even conducted a space operation in January, preparing backup elbow joints for the Canadianarm2 robot arm. This is Williams’ ninth voyage and the fifth voyage of Wilmore.

The comfort of home

They were delighted to be back at home when they said they had a great time on the International Space Station and at work. The first thing they want to do?

Williams smiled and said, “I want to hug my husband, hug my dog. I’ll say… maybe not.” “No, I’m just kidding.”

As a vegetarian, she said she also enjoyed the grilled cheese sandwich.

For Willmore, it’s a little different.

“Of course, embrace the family again,” Wilmore said. “But, this opportunity – I’ve said it a few times – is just to thank a country that’s involved in all of this. It makes it unique, not only for us, but for everyone.”

When asked about the difficulty of being away from friends and family longer than planned, Willmore admitted it was “difficult.”

“It’s not in preparation,” he said. “But in my family, we talk about these possibilities. We talked about all of this. We never said we’re going to nine months, but it turns out.”

Although they missed Thanksgiving and Christmas with their family, they said they still had a great time celebrating the holiday.

“In fact, we have a reindeer that is built and ridden like a bull,” Wilmore said. “But we celebrate with style, trust me.”

It also became easier when crew member Nick Hague arrived at the space station on September 28. Williams said he brought some surprises.

“He’s like Santa. [He] “It’s great to spend the holiday there. It’s very unique, it’s unique among us, it’s great, it’s great, it’s great,” Williams said.

As for re-adjustment and adaptation back to gravity, Williams said she has been adjusting well.

“Our team is getting ready for a new challenge,” Williams said. “So, you know, it feels good since we’ve been back for almost two weeks. Yesterday I actually went out for three miles. So I’ll give myself a little pat.”

Then will they fly to the Stalini Islands again?

“Yes, because we’re going to correct all the problems we’re having. We’re going to fix it. We’re going to make it work,” Wilmore said. “Boeing is fully committed. NASA is fully committed. So I’m going to be heartbeat.”

Williams agreed.

“Yes, I will,” she said. “The spacecraft does have the capability. There are a few things that need to be fixed… People are working actively, but it’s a great spacecraft.”