Two American astronauts, Butch Wilmore, 62, and Sunita Williams, 59, have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for seven months—far longer than their originally planned eight-day mission. During a video call with NASA leadership, the astronauts expressed their longing to return home while emphasizing their commitment to completing vital tasks in space.
Extended mission circumstances
The astronauts arrived at the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, due to safety concerns with the vehicle, NASA sent the Starliner back to Earth without passengers. In August, NASA announced that Wilmore and Williams would return to Earth aboard a SpaceX vehicle in early 2025 alongside the rest of Crew-9, marking the ninth crew rotation of Expedition 72.
Speaking to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, Williams acknowledged the emotional toll of the prolonged mission: “Yeah, eventually we want to go home, because we left our families a little while ago, but we have a lot to do while we’re up here.”
Life of astronauts in space: Adaptation and teamwork
Despite rumors about resource shortages, both astronauts dismissed concerns about their conditions. Wilmore addressed speculation about clothing shortages, noting that sacrifices were made to prioritize cargo space for essential station components. He explained: “We wore [the same] clothes for a while, but that doesn’t bother us… clothes fit loosely up here, so you can wear things for weeks at a time.”
The astronauts have since received resupplies delivered by Crew-9 in September. As Expedition 72 commander, Williams has remained focused on scientific and operational goals, collaborating with flight engineers Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Don Pettit.
NASA describes Expedition 72 as pivotal for advancing scientific understanding and improving life on Earth. Its objectives include pharmaceutical manufacturing, advanced life support systems, and genetic sequencing in microgravity. Upcoming spacewalks will further support these efforts, with Williams and Hague scheduled for one later this month, followed by Wilmore.
Staying positive amid challenges
Melroy lightheartedly addressed the astronauts’ situation, joking: “You’re not channeling ‘Cast Away,’ and you don’t have a volleyball with a handprint on it that you call Wilson.” Williams reassured: “No, we’ve got a whole team up here… It’s been a joy to be working up here.”
As the astronauts await the arrival of Crew-10 in late March to facilitate their return, they remain dedicated to their mission, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required for life in space.