Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are spending an unprecedented 10 months in space, defying attempts by Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump to use their situation for political gain.
The pair arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in June after a week-long test flight on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft. However, technical difficulties on the journey led NASA to declare it too risky to bring them home on the craft.
Instead, they will return on a SpaceX mission in March, according to NASA. The extended stay has captured national attention and concern, with Trump stating that the Biden administration had “virtually abandoned” the astronauts.
Musk claimed that NASA was holding back the pair due to negative press, despite saying he offered to help them return sooner. However, NASA officials have denied receiving such an offer from Musk.
Astronauts Wilmore and Williams downplayed Musk’s claims, saying they did not want to receive positive press for Trump. When asked about Musk’s statement that the ISS should be retired early, Williams said it was not the right time to make such a decision.
The astronauts acknowledged that their extended stay has taken a toll on those back home, particularly the uncertainty of when they will return. Despite the challenges, Wilmore and Williams expressed their respect for both Musk and Trump, while supporting their nation and its leaders.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/uncertainty-most-difficult-part-sunita-williams-on-lengthy-stay-in-space-7851784