Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore launched into an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 05, 2024. However, as a result of technical challenges, their keep on the International Space Station (ISS) has been prolonged to eight months. While Starliner returned to Earth with out them final week as a result of some points, each astronauts stay on the ISS and are anticipated to return with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Crew-9 flight in February 2025.
Williams’ Perspective on the Delay
In a video press conference, Sunita Williams shared her ideas on the surprising delay, describing the ISS as her “blissful place.” She talked about how life in area has not been a tough adjustment as a result of earlier expertise. Although initially hoped to finish the Starliner mission and return sooner, she stays optimistic concerning the alternative forward.
Challenges with Starliner’s Return
Butch Wilmore famous that, whereas there have been disagreements relating to their return on the Starliner, time constraints and unresolved technical points led to their continued keep. He believes their present state of affairs is for the perfect, given the security issues surrounding the Starliner.
Voting from Space
Sunita Williams additionally acknowledged that whereas her prolonged keep causes some nervousness, particularly contemplating plans together with her household, she stays targeted on the mission. Both astronauts expressed their anticipation of casting their ballots for the 2024 US presidential elections from area, with the race being between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Technical Issues with Starliner
The Starliner spacecraft skilled a number of thruster failures and helium leaks throughout its strategy to the ISS, stopping it from attaining ample thrust for a secure return to Earth with the astronauts. As a consequence, NASA and Boeing determined that the Starliner would return empty, leaving Williams and Wilmore to await their return with SpaceX.
