Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft experienced helium leaks and technical issues with its reaction control thrusters as it approached the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, causing astronauts to spend much longer than their planned eight days in space.
FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE
NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams arrived at the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 6 and have remained stranded there since.
The duo held their first press conference on Friday and talked about their experiences.
LONGING FOR FAMILY
Long-term space travel has been challenging for astronauts and their families. Wilmore said the delayed return meant his youngest daughter will miss her senior year of high school and his older daughter will not have a summer vacation before returning to college.
Sunita Williams said she missed her husband and dogs, but it was peaceful to be able to watch the Earth from space.
“MY JOINT PAIN HAS DECREASED”
Despite the challenges, Williams and Wilmore said they were “grateful” for the additional time they spent in space.
Williams said he was happy to have had the opportunity to get to know the SpaceX Dragon capsule after the Boeing Starliner returned to Earth in June.
Wilmore said that there is no pressure on the bones in zero gravity and this reduces joint pain.
