KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – When Boeing’s Starliner capsule launched on June 5, Tennessee astronaut Butch Wilmore was estimated to spend only eight days in space.
According to NASA, there is a possibility that an eight-day mission could become an eight-month one, with a possible return in February 2025.
“You know, we probably don’t expect him until February, February or March,” said Wilmore’s wife, Deanna.
Wilmore, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, now lives in Texas with his wife and 19-year-old daughter Daryn and 16-year-old daughter Logan.
Deanna said her husband told her that the safety of the capsule was currently being discussed while its engines were being checked.
Wilmore’s family at home is still able to stay in touch with him via Facetime several times most days from the International Space Station.
“It’s so cool that it gives us a lot of views of the Earth. I especially like watching the sunset,” Daryn said.
It is uncertain whether Wilmore will have to spend another six months in space or whether he will return home with another crew in September.
Although Wilmore’s family predicts they won’t see the astronaut again until 2025, they acknowledge that this will likely cause him to miss some important moments for his family.
Christmas, his and his wife’s 30th wedding anniversary, most of Logan’s senior year of high school, and Daryn’s college theater performances are just some of the moments Wilmore’s family expects him to be absent.
“You just have to accept it and expect the unexpected,” Deanna said.
Although the Wilmore family misses their father and husband, they say they feel no frustration because they realize they have no control over current events.
Daryn and Logan said their friends regularly ask them about their father and admire his work in space.
The family said they are reassured knowing Wilmore enjoys his work and is doing everything he can to stay safe during his time in space.
“He just assumes the Lord is in control, and since the Lord is in control, he is happy where he is,” Deanna said.
The return date for Wilmore and the crew is currently unclear.
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