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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore reveal that technical issues and time constraints forced them to abandon their return on Boeing’s Starliner.
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They will now return to Earth in 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle.
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Despite setbacks, Williams and Wilmore remain confident in Boeing’s ability to address Starliner’s issues and improve its performance.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have opened up about their decision to abandon their return journey on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft due to technical issues. Speaking about the experience, Wilmore stated that they “could have gotten to the point” of returning on Starliner, but ultimately ran out of time.
The astronauts were initially scheduled for an eight-day mission but are now extending their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) until 2025. They will return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle, which Wilmore noted was a fortunate backup option. Williams expressed relief that the Starliner landed safely despite encountering helium leaks and propulsion issues.
Despite the setbacks, both astronauts remain enthusiastic about their time in space. Williams described the ISS as her “happy place,” saying, “I love being up here in space. It’s just fun.” The astronauts continue to work with NASA and Boeing to address Starliner’s issues and improve its performance. Boeing has acknowledged the need for changes and is committed to implementing them.
The experience highlights the complexities and risks involved in testing new spacecraft. As Wilmore noted, “When you do things with spacecraft that have never been done before, you’re going to find some things.
