Stranded in Space: NASA Astronauts Break Silence After 8-Month Mission Extension

Berfin Ceren Meray
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In a dramatic turn of events, two NASA astronauts found themselves stranded aboard the International Space Station after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned. The spacecraft recently returned to Earth—without its crew—leaving the astronauts to endure an extended mission of 8 months in space. For the first time since the ordeal began, the astronauts have spoken out about their experience and the challenges they faced while awaiting a safe return.

NASA had recently sent two astronauts into space aboard Boeing's spacecraft, Starliner.

Following the successful flight in June, the astronauts completed their mission. They were expected to return to Earth in early July.

However, Boeing, a company that has recently made headlines mostly due to disasters, once again left NASA in the lurch.

While approaching the International Space Station, helium leaks were detected in the spacecraft. Additionally, there was a technical issue with the reaction control thrusters.

It was initially said that the problem would be resolved quickly, and the astronauts had expressed their belief that they would return.

However, NASA eventually decided that the Starliner would return to Earth empty. The astronauts will have to wait for a new spacecraft to arrive at the Space Station. The new spacecraft isn't expected to arrive until 2025!

For the first time, a statement came from the astronauts who have been in space for months.

Their 10-day space mission was extended to up to 8 months, and they finally spoke about the situation. The NASA astronauts expressed their gratitude for the time they spent in space and said they held no ill will toward either Boeing or NASA. The astronauts stated, 'We're here with our friends, and we know we'll eventually find a vehicle to get us home.'

The astronauts mentioned that they view this challenging period as part of their mission but mostly talked about how much they miss their families.

Wilmore said he would miss his younger daughter’s senior year of high school and wasn’t able to spend summer vacation with his older daughter before she returned to college. Williams also mentioned how much she misses her husband and dogs. Finally, they shared that watching Earth from space has been a calming experience.