NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were only meant to be away from Earth for eight days – but have been stuck on the International Space Station for the last seven months
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck on the International Space station since last year – after a planned eight day trip descended into chaos. The NASA astronauts made history on June 4, 2024, after they embarked on the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner. The trip’s short itinerary meant both had packed lightly, taking with them minimal toiletries and clothes. But, following a myriad of problems, including fuel leaks, it was decided in September that the craft wasn’t safe enough to bring them home – meaning it left the space station without them.
Due to delays in the next crew scheduled to take over operations in the ISS, originally slated for February, it’ll be at least two more months until Butch and Suni return to Earth. So far, they’ve missed Trump’s return to the Whitehouse (although they were able to vote), Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the cinematic debut of Wicked.
According to the BBC, most space missions last around six months, with some even extending to a year. So, while spending seven month floating around might seem like a claustrophobe’s worst nightmare – it’s not actually unusual, even though it wasn’t planned.
So, it’s no surprise the duo seemed unfazed when appearing in a live video event earlier this week, where they revealed they ‘don’t feel like castaways’. The powerful four-word statement came after they were asked a question referencing Cast Away, a film where the protagonist gets stranded on a desert island. “Eventually we wanna go home,” Suni added. “We left our families a little while ago – but we have a lot to do up here and we have to get that stuff done before we go.” Back in August, Boeing reiterated that the pair are not ‘stuck’.
Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines sent straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter
It’s been reported that two deliveries were made to the ISS recently, with Nasa stating the pair were given clothes, food, water, and oxygen. “The resupply spacecraft also carried special items for the crew to celebrate the holidays aboard the orbital platform,” the space agency said last month.
Butch and Suni also confirmed that they have yet to see the wildfires savaging California yet due to the path of their orbit. However, when they pass over the US state, they should be able to take photographs from the space station to pass over to officials, which could help the US control the blaze.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured
