Boeing Starliner astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore embarked on a mission that was initially expected to last only 10 days. However, due to thruster malfunctions during their spacecraft's approach and docking maneuvers, their stay in space extended far beyond the original timeline. The malfunction prompted changes in their mission plan, integrating them into SpaceX's Crew-9 mission's downward leg. Consequently, Williams and Wilmore have now been in space for over 10 months, a period marked by various challenges and achievements.
The thruster issues encountered by the Boeing Starliner led to a series of adjustments. As a result, the astronauts were added to the Crew-9 mission, which arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in late September. Originally scheduled to return to Earth around March 19, the departure date remains uncertain due to ongoing investigations and logistical adjustments.
While in space, Williams and Wilmore continue to perform their regular duties aboard the ISS. Notably, Suni Williams broke the record for most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, underscoring her resilience and dedication. Despite the extended stay, both astronauts maintain a positive outlook.
"We come prepared, we come committed. That is what your human spaceflight program is: It prepares for any and all contingencies that we can conceive of, and we prepare for those." – Butch Wilmore
NASA's plans have also faced delays due to manufacturing issues with the new Dragon spacecraft intended for Crew-10. To expedite the mission, NASA swapped the spacecraft with Crew Dragon capsule Endurance, ensuring readiness for launch. Currently, NASA targets no earlier than March 12 for the Crew-10 mission launch.
The situation has attracted significant attention, notably when former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for allegedly abandoning the astronauts. He urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to intervene. However, Williams and Wilmore clarified that they do not feel abandoned or stranded.
"We don't feel abandoned. We don't feel stuck. We don't feel stranded." – Butch Wilmore
The astronauts hope that discussions around their situation will shift towards more constructive narratives.
"Let's change it to 'prepared and committed.'" – Butch Wilmore
In the meantime, NASA and Boeing are conducting an extensive investigation to resolve the thruster malfunctions and prevent similar occurrences in future missions. The astronauts are capable of returning to Earth immediately if necessary, ensuring their safety in case of emergencies.
As they continue their extended mission, Williams and Wilmore are expected to return with NASA's Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who launched on the Crew-9 Dragon. The unexpected duration of their stay has provided both challenges and opportunities for learning and adaptation.
"It is just amazing how, when you come across the hatch after you've been here, it's like, 'Oh, my gosh! I remember what this is all like! I remember feeling what it's like floating!' And I think both of us adapted really quickly," – Suni Williams
