Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams left Earth on June 5 following several years of delays and technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft. Twice before, they had to abort the launch following they were in place and had fastened their seat belts in the capsule.
After a day’s journey through space, they arrived at the International Space Station ISS, where they were scheduled to spend a week. That week has now turned into just over a month, and it is not yet clear when they can return home.
The delay is due, among other things, to problems with the steering motors and helium leaks that were discovered on the way out into space.
At a press briefing attended directly from the ISS, Wilmore and Williams were asked if they still had confidence in the Starliner team and the spacecraft.
– We are completely convinced, was the blunt answer from Wilmore, who leads the mission.
– I have a good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will take us home, without any problems, added Williams.
She says the two continue to enjoy their time on the ISS, where they perform tasks such as changing the pump on a machine that turns urine into drinking water, while also conducting scientific experiments.
The astronauts have also tested the use of the Starliner as an “emergency port” if problems arise on the space station.
Currently, there are four Americans and three Russians on the ISS in addition to the two stranded Starliner astronauts.
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2024-07-11 11:20:42
