On January 8, 2025, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June, reported that they are well-fed and occupied with scientific missions. Their return to Earth, originally planned for an eight-day mission, is now anticipated for late March due to problems with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
The astronauts were initially sent to the ISS for a brief mission, but mechanical failures with the Starliner have delayed their return. NASA has opted to send the Starliner back empty and will utilize a SpaceX mission for Wilmore and Williams' eventual return.
During a communication session with NASA officials, Wilmore humorously assured that they are managing well in space, stating, “We are being fed well.” Williams echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to return home eventually but emphasizing their ongoing scientific work. They plan to conduct spacewalks in the coming weeks, with both astronauts participating in two planned extravehicular activities.
If they return in March, Wilmore and Williams will have spent over nine months in space, significantly longer than their intended duration. While they have had sufficient food, they noted a temporary shortage of spare clothing early in their extended stay, which they found manageable due to the lack of perspiration in microgravity.
The duo was part of the first crewed test flight of the Starliner, which encountered propulsion system issues, raising concerns about the spacecraft's reliability. Williams remarked that they would have many stories to share upon their return.