NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams – whose eight-day mission turned into a nine-month space odyssey 🌌 – opened up this week about the setbacks Boeing's Starliner spacecraft faced during their unexpectedly extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
During a Monday press conference, Wilmore emphasized shared accountability: "We all are responsible. We all own this." The spacecraft commander admitted both he and Williams could've asked more questions during pre-flight preparations, but maintained that improvements require collaboration at "all levels" – from astronauts to engineers.
The duo, who returned to Earth in March after 286 days in space 👩🚀👨🚀, faced multiple spacecraft issues including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks. Their delayed homecoming via SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule became a lesson in perseverance – and dark humor. "My wife wants all new shrubs planted before summer," Wilmore joked about post-mission priorities. "I need to get my body ready to dig holes." 🏡
Despite Starliner's $2B+ development hurdles 🛠️, the astronauts remain all-in on its future. "We're going to make it work," Wilmore vowed, declaring he'd fly Starliner again "in a heartbeat." Their April 2 meeting with Boeing aims to solve technical puzzles, not assign blame.
As NASA eyes 2026 potential test flights ✈️ and prepares for ISS's eventual retirement, Williams highlighted their unique role: "Nobody else had that perspective of being in the spacecraft." Their quirky mission takeaways? Space teamwork is everything… and reuniting with Earth puppies 🐕 ranks high. 🌠
