After nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth and shared their experiences with Fox News.
The two astronauts talked about their time in space, their reactions when they learned they would stay longer than planned, the future of space exploration, and what it means to serve their country… far from planet Earth.
“My first thought was that we needed to come back,” Williams said when she was informed that their return to Earth would be delayed.
“Since we were supposed to return in February and would stay in space until then, I said, let’s make the best of it,” she added.
She admitted that she hadn’t lost her enthusiasm, as she enjoys being in space and “witnessing the scientific experiments” unfolding around her. “I’m honored to have been part of all of this,” she said.
On the other hand, Wilmore said that he focused on managing his emotions and focusing on the fact that the space program was a “national goal.” He became somewhat at ease with the fact that he would miss being by the side of his daughter, who is in high school.
Wilmore and Williams spent more than 280 days in space after their eight-day mission, which began last June, was extended when their spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner, encountered technical issues. Neither of them blamed the company specifically, but they admitted that the project’s reversal forced them to endure some difficult moments.
“I didn’t ask who was to blame for what happened to us. I think everyone is responsible, not just the company,” Wilmore said, adding that “there were some shortcomings in testing and preparation that we hadn’t anticipated.”
He further stated that he doesn’t want to blame anyone individually. He prefers to “look forward” and “learn from past mistakes.”
They were then asked about the positions and actions of Elon Musk and the new U.S. president, Donald Trump. Wilmore said, “I’m grateful that they’re actively involved in the human spaceflight program, as it is of great global importance. Their stance strengthens our country.”
On the other hand, Williams said that their nine-month stay in space allowed many people, including Musk and Trump, to see what’s happening aboard the ISS and take it “very seriously.”
