It has been more than two months since astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical problems with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
However, their families seem less concerned and claim that both astronauts must really enjoy their work in space.
Michael, the husband of Indian-born Sunita Williams, has said the room is her “happy place,” even though she is stuck there indefinitely, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched on June 5 aboard Boeing’s new Starliner capsule and the two astronauts were scheduled to stay in space for only eight days.
But helium leaks and engine failures almost prevented their arrival at the ISS and kept them there much longer than planned.
Williams and Wilmore’s stay on the ISS was extended indefinitely, with NASA saying their mission on the Boeing Starliner could last eight months, with a possible return in February.
Currently on the ISS with seven other astronauts, Williams and Wilmore typically spend their days conducting scientific research and maintaining the spacecraft – and also producing educational content such as answering live questions with students and pupils. The Wall Street Journal reported.
Previously, Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program director, said the Starliner astronauts would not be able to return until late July at the earliest.
Wilmore’s family is also relaxed about his extended stay in space.
“You know, we probably don’t expect him until February, February or March,” Wilmore’s wife Deanna said, according to a New York Post Report.
His family also said they stayed in touch with him via Facetime several times most days, reported New York Post.
“It’s so cool, it gives us a lot of views of the Earth, I especially like to see the sunset,” said Wilmore’s daughter Daryn WVLT in Nashville.
Five engines failed as the capsule approached the space station on June 6, a day after launch. Four have since been reactivated. Wilmore said there should be enough engines left to get him and Williams out of orbit.
“You know the mantra: failure is not an option. That’s why we’re staying here now,” Wilmore said. “We trust that the tests we’re doing are the ones we need to get the right answers and get the data we need to come back.”
