NASA astronauts speak after an unexpected 9 -month stay on the International Space Station
On June 5, 2024, the astronauts of NASA Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore approached a blue sky in a new Boeing capsule called Starliner. Their mission? To test the spaceship, dock with the International Space Station (ISS), then go home a few days later.
Instead, the couple returned to a Spacex crew dragon March 18 – More than nine months later.
In his inaugural mission, Starliner, or CST-100, he had encountered several problems, including helium losses and engine problems.
Between Boeing and NASA, together with Williams and Wilmore, it was decided that it would be better to return the capsule without the crew, due to safety problems.
It was taken safely to home in September, with the astronauts left to wait an alternative ride.
The astronauts of NASA Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, whose one -week mission at the International Space Station has exacerbated each other unexpectedly in a nine -month stay, returned to Earth as part of a crew of four people aboard a Dragon Spacex Crew capsule. The capsule was raised by the water on a boat before the crew was helped one by one.
It was widely reported through social media and news that astronauts were “blocked” or “blocked” on the ISS. But in their first press conference from the return, both Williams and Wilmore said they did not feel like this.
“We have heard of it,” Williams laughed, speaking in response to that narrative on Monday.
Wilmore said it was to plan.
“We already said it before: we had a plan, right? The plan went far for what we had planned. But since we are on the human space flight, we prepare for any number of contingencies,” he said. “Because this is a sinuous road. You never know where it will go.”
Instead, Williams and Wilmore have formally become part of the crew of the 71/72 expedition, working and leading experiments
They too led a space In January, prepare an articulation of the reserve elbow for the Canadarm2 robotic arm. It was the spatial ninth for Williams and the fifth for Wilmore.
Home comforts
While they said they had fun with the ISS and the work done, they were happy to return to home comforts. The first things they wanted to do?
“I wanted to embrace my husband and embrace my dogs. And I will say in that order … maybe not,” said Williams, laughing. “No, I’m just joking.”
And as a vegetarian, he said he also liked a grilled cheese sandwich.
For Wilmore, it was a little different.
“Certainly hugging the family again,” said Wilmore. “But also the opportunity – and I have already said it a couple of times – just to thank you to a nation that has been involved in all this. It makes it special, not only for us, but for everyone.”
When asked how difficult it was to stay away from friends and family for much more time than expected, Wilmore admitted that it was “difficult”.
“He wasn’t in preparation,” he said. “But in my family, we are talking about these possibilities. We discussed all this. We never said we would go away for nine months, but it was discovered that way.”
Although they lost thanks and Christmas with their families, they said they have still enjoyed celebrating their holidays.
“In reality we had an reindeer that we built and guided like a bull,” said Wilmore. “But we celebrated with style, trust me.”
It was also made easier when teammate Nick Hague arrived at the space station on September 28th; Williams said he had raised some surprises.
“It was like Santa Claus. (He) had his small grass bag for all of us, and it was fantastic to spend the holidays up there,” said Williams. “It is quite unique and not many of us can do it.”
As for the reconditioning and adaptation to gravity, Williams said he has adapted well.
“Our teams are preparing us to prepare to face new challenges here,” Williams said. “So, you know, feel good as we returned almost two weeks. In reality I went out and ran three miles yesterday. So I’ll give myself a small pat on the back.”
So they wanted on Starliner again?
“Yes, because we will correct all the problems we have encountered. We will solve it. We will make it work,” said Wilmore. “Boeing is completely busy. NASA is completely busy. And with this, I went on in a heartbeat.”
Williams agreed.
“Yes, I would do it,” he said. “The spaceship is really capable. There were a couple of things that must be repaired … and people work there actively, but they are a large space vehicle.”
