NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were left behind on the International Space Station last week as the Boeing Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth without a crew. The decision was made to keep the astronauts safe after concerns about the Starliner’s thrusters’ performance.
Wilmore and Williams were prepared for an extended stay on the ISS until 2025, instead of their scheduled eight-day visit. They will now return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, with a launch date set for September 24.
Despite the unexpected change of plans, Wilmore and Williams remained positive, highlighting the importance of testing new spacecraft and addressing any issues that may arise. They commended the collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing, emphasizing the respectful and thorough discussions that took place.
Williams expressed her excitement and relief when the Starliner safely landed in New Mexico, marking the completion of the Crew Flight Test. Although Starliner still needs certification to join regular crew flights to the ISS, both astronauts were proud of the team’s successful mission.
Overall, despite the challenges faced during the mission, Wilmore and Williams remained dedicated and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of space exploration. Their positive attitude and professionalism underscored their commitment to the mission’s success.
Source
Photo credit www.dailynews.com
