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NASA Astronauts Reflect on Extended ISS Mission and Starliner Challenges

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams discuss their nine-month mission, emphasize safety lessons, and express confidence in Boeing's Starliner after returning to Earth.

Sunita Williams revealed what she did as soon as she got back to Earth. Williams said she first hugged her husband Michael J. Williams and even met with her beloved pet dogs.
Astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore pose for a photo during a press conference at Johnson Space Center on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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Astronaut Butch Wilmore talks to reporters during a press conference at Johnson Space Center on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Overview

  • Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, after a 286-day mission aboard the ISS, initially planned as an eight-day test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
  • Technical issues with the Starliner, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, led NASA to return the spacecraft unmanned in September 2024 and extend the astronauts' stay on the ISS.
  • Both astronauts rejected claims of being 'stranded' or 'abandoned,' emphasizing their training and readiness for contingencies during the extended mission.
  • Wilmore and Williams acknowledged shared responsibility among NASA, Boeing, and themselves for the mission's challenges and stressed the importance of learning from the experience to improve future flights.
  • Despite the setbacks, both astronauts expressed willingness to fly on the Starliner again, citing its capabilities and Boeing's commitment to addressing the technical issues.