Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 10, 2024 10:08 pm GMT
Nasa astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, currently stationed on the International Space Station (ISS), held a news conference to discuss their extended stay in space, which has lasted for over eight months. Their return to Earth has been delayed due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which recently returned uncrewed after a problematic flight last month. Nasa has confirmed that Wilmore and Williams will return home on a SpaceX Dragon craft next year.
Delayed Return Due to Spacecraft Issues
Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS in June, initially expected to stay for a short mission. However, complications with the Starliner have left them in orbit much longer than anticipated. The spacecraft was intended to transport them back but was deemed too risky for manned flight after engineers identified multiple helium leaks in its propulsion system. Although the Starliner did complete its uncrewed return to Earth safely, it raised further concerns about its readiness for human transport.
Reflections on Their Time in Space
During the news conference, both astronauts shared insights into their physical well-being after months in microgravity. Wilmore humorously noted his uniquely styled hair, which stood straight up without the influence of gravity. He remarked that the absence of pressure on joints made the adjustment to space comfortable, stating, “Your joints don’t ache because there’s no pressure on them, which is actually quite nice.”
Williams expressed pride in the safe return of the Starliner, referencing how she and fellow crew members were eager to witness the landing. “I was so happy it got home with no problems,” she said, highlighting a unity among Nasa personnel, where “the fact that we weren’t on it didn’t even come to mind at all,” according to Wilmore.
Mindset of Astronauts
In discussing their mentality as Nasa astronauts, Wilmore emphasized the importance of resilience and a positive outlook in their profession. “It’s not an easy business. We deal with all types of difficulties and all types of situations. It brings a great deal of fortitude,” he remarked. When questioned about the extended duration of their mission compared to initial plans of eight days, he maintained that achieving mission objectives remains their priority, saying, “From eight days to eight months, nine months, or ten months – we are going to do the very best job.”
Qualifications and Training
The rigorous selection and training process for astronauts involves assessing various personal characteristics, such as good judgment, motivation, teamwork, and resourcefulness. Both Wilmore and Williams highlighted that their previous spaceflight experience has contributed to their readiness for this extended mission. Williams remarked, “Both of us had been up here before, so we have a little bit of experience,” emphasizing the importance of adapting to new challenges.
Addressing Boeing’s Challenges
While responding to inquiries about Boeing’s handling of the Starliner’s issues, Wilmore noted the complexity of the situation, indicating that there was “not enough time” to provide a detailed answer. He mentioned that “lessons learned” would emerge over the coming months as the team reviews the mission and identifies necessary improvements. Despite the challenges faced by Boeing, Wilmore expressed confidence in the company’s commitment, stating, “Things that need to change, will change.”
Looking Ahead
Wilmore and Williams acknowledged that returning home on a SpaceX spacecraft, while not their first choice, poses an opportunity for them and highlights the adaptability required in their line of work. Williams stated, “You have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity, and do good for the agency and the country,” conveying a sense of gratitude for the experiences gained aboard both the Starliner and the upcoming SpaceX Dragon.
As they continue to endure the extended duration aboard the ISS, the astronauts remain focused on their duties and the broader objectives of Nasa’s space exploration mission. With plans for their eventual return to Earth in place, Wilmore and Williams continue to exemplify the resilience and fortitude expected of astronauts in the challenging environment of space.
Live Coverage and Further Updates
If you want to keep up with what the astronauts are doing, you can watch their press conference live. It starts at 2:15 PM Eastern Time. As they get ready to come back and deal with some problems with Boeing’s Starliner, NASA will share updates about their mission and what’s next for human space travel.
