Boeing Starliner astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have set the record straight on their extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS), dispelling claims of being “stranded.” The duo, who launched to the ISS last June, initially expected a 10-day orbital stay but experienced thruster malfunctions during its approach and docking maneuvers.
After an investigation, Starliner returned to Earth uncrewed, and Williams and Wilmore were added to SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. Their extended stay has been attributed to delays in the launch of Crew-10, which was initially scheduled for late March but now faces a revised target date due to manufacturing issues with the new Dragon spacecraft.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, both astronauts emphasized that their situation is not unusual and that they are prepared for any contingencies. They highlighted that all ISS crew members can return to Earth immediately in case of an emergency, contradicting President Donald Trump’s claims that they were “virtually abandoned.”
“We come prepared, we come committed,” Wilmore said. “We don’t feel abandoned… We don’t feel stuck… We don’t feel stranded.” The astronauts also expressed their enthusiasm for their time on the ISS, enjoying the experience and looking forward to their return home.
NASA has announced a new launch date for the Crew-10 mission, which will be carried out in the Crew Dragon capsule Endurance. The crew overlap is expected to last about a week, with Williams and Wilmore departing for Earth around March 19.
The astronauts’ situation serves as a reminder that space missions can be affected by unforeseen circumstances, but the crew’s commitment and preparedness ensure their safety and success.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/boeing-starliner-astronauts-on-the-iss-set-the-story-straight-we-dont-feel-stranded