NASA astronauts speak after unexpected stay for a period of 9 months at the International Space Station

On June 5, 2024, NASA astronaut Sony Williams and Boot Willmor rose in a blue sky in a new Boeing capsule called Starlener. Their mission? To test the spacecraft, dock with the International Space Station (ISS), then return home after a few days.

Instead, the husband returned in the Crew Crew dragon On March 18 – more than nine months later.

On its opening mission, Starliner, or CST-100, faced many problems, including helium leakage and volatility issues.

Between Boeing and NASA, along with Williams and Wilwmore, it was decided to restore the capsule from the crew, due to safety concerns.

She was safely brought home in September, leaving astronauts to wait for an alternative journey.

It was widely reported on social media and news that astronauts “stuck” or “cut off” on the International Space Station. But in the first press conference since their return, Williams and Wilwmore said they did not feel this way.

“We heard about it,” Williams laughed, and spoke in response to this narration on Monday.

Willmour said that it is all about planning.

“We have said this before: We had a plan, right? The plan stopped when we planned it. But because in the light of the human space, we are preparing for any number of emergency situations.” “Because this is a winding road. You never know where you will go.”

Instead, Williams and Wilmore official

They even Grocery In January, preparation of the canydarm automatic elbow. It was the ninth corridor of Lilloms and the fifth Lilmour.

The amenities at home

While they said they enjoyed their time at the International Space Station and the work they did, they were happy to return to the amenities at home. The first things they want to do?

“I wanted to embrace my husband and embrace my dog. I will say this arrangement … maybe not.” “No, I just joke.”

And my sofa, she said that she also enjoyed a grilled sandwich.

For Lilmore, it was a little different.

“Certainly hugged the family again,” Wilmor said. “But also the opportunity – I have already said that several times – just to say thanks to a nation that has participated in all this. It makes it special, not only for us, but for everyone.”

When asked about how difficult it is to stay away from friends and family for a long time longer than the plan, Willmour admitted that he was “difficult”.

“It was not in preparation,” he said. “But in my family, we are talking about these possibilities. We discussed all this. He never said that we will go for nine months – but it turned out this way.”

Although they missed Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families, they said they are still spending a fun time to celebrate holidays.

“We already had a ringtone we built and rode like a bull,” Wilmur said. “But we celebrated elegance, trust me.”

It has become easier when crew team colleague Nick The Hague arrived at the space station on September 28; Williams said he had put up some surprises.

“He was like Santa Claus,” said Williams. “He is unique and not many of us do that.”

As for the renewal of gravity and adaptation to gravity, Williams said it was well.

“Our teams here make us ready to prepare to face new challenges,” Williams said. “Therefore, as you know, you feel satisfied since we returned for nearly two weeks. I have already come out and ran three miles yesterday. So I will give myself a little on the back.”

Do they fly on Starlener again?

“Yes, because we will correct all the problems we faced. We will reform them. We will make it work,” Wilmur said. “Boeing is completely committed. NASA is completely committed. However, I will continue to the heartbeat.”

Williams agreed.

“Yes, I will do,” she said. “The spacecraft is really capable. There were some things to be fixed … and people are actively working on it, but it is a great spacecraft.”