Originally set to return in mid-June, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams may be on the station until February, 2025.

During a press conference today, NASA representatives confirmed they have a contingency plan to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams home from the International Space Station (ISS) early next year. If they’re unable to leave sooner aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that brought them there

Tests conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility pointed to deformed Teflon seals being a potential cause of the Starliner’s thrusters failing, but the agency isn’t expected to make a final decision on whether or not Williams and Wilmore will return using Boeing’s spacecraft until mid-August.

  • 9tr6gyp3@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    Would they honestly rather be with their families and are asking to leave? How do you know these details?

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Because it’s their families? Are you serious? They don’t want to be with their partners and kids?

      Should we call CPS?

      • criticon@lemmy.ca
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        3 months ago

        But they are in space doing science. Some people like their jobs and their families can understand that this is temporary

        • Zipitydew@sh.itjust.works
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          3 months ago

          This is also potentially the last mission for both of them. I’d be surprised if they’re upset. Astronauts are a different breed.

          They’re more likely to be having a good time than not. They knew from the start the mission plan included an option for a longer stay. Sunni also once held the record for ISS mission length for female astronauts.