In a press conference held a week after their eventful ride on the Boeing Starliner, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams opened up about the challenges they have faced after being left behind in space and the prospect of an extended stay in orbit.

The astronauts' first public comments came after their return to Earth was canceled due to technical issues with the Starliner capsule. Despite the setback, Wilmore and Williams remained positive as they embraced their new role as full-fledged crew members of the International Space Station.

During the conference, Butch Wilmore expressed his disappointment at seeing the spacecraft depart without them, but understood the inherent risks of space travel. "As spacecraft pilots, you don't want to see it go off without you, but that's where we wound up," he shared. Both astronauts acknowledged that unforeseen delays can happen in their line of work and that they were mentally prepared for such situations.

While their initial mission was scheduled for only eight days, Wilmore and Williams are now looking at an extended stint of more than eight months aboard the space station. They have already started contributing to routine maintenance and conducting experiments alongside the other crew members.

In the past week, the duo welcomed two Russian astronauts and an American on board the space station, temporarily raising the population to a near-record 12 individuals. Additionally, two more astronauts are scheduled to arrive via SpaceX later this month, with seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams for the return journey.

The transition back to space life has been relatively smooth for both Wilmore and Williams since they have previously spent considerable time on the International Space Station. Williams, who had undertaken two long stays before, described the station as her "happy place" and expressed her love for being in space.

Despite missing out on important events and personal milestones back home, the astronauts remain grateful for the support and well wishes they have received. Williams, for instance, expressed her initial concerns about not having enough face-to-face time with her mother, while Wilmore will be absent for his youngest daughter's final year of high school. However, they both emphasized the importance of fulfilling their civic duties, with Wilmore requesting an absentee ballot to vote in the upcoming November election from orbit.

The Starliner capsule, which was initially intended as Boeing's first crewed spaceflight, encountered several technical issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks, before finally reaching the space station on June 6. The safe landing in the New Mexico desert marked a significant milestone, but the future of Boeing's participation in NASA's commercial crew program remains uncertain.

In the meantime, Wilmore and Williams maintain a positive outlook, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. "We're testers, that's what we do," Williams stated, highlighting their dedication to their mission. While their initial plans did not unfold as expected, they are eager to explore new horizons and seize the next opportunity that comes their way.

As their journey continues, the astronauts expressed their appreciation for the continued support from people around the world. Their remarkable resilience and commitment serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human exploration in space.

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