Boeing Starliner astronauts speak out after capsule leaves without them

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams expressed their feelings about being left behind in space after the Boeing Starliner capsule returned to Earth without them. The astronauts, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June, were unable to return due to safety concerns regarding the Starliner, which had experienced multiple technical issues. Their mission, initially planned for eight days, is now expected to extend to over eight months. Wilmore described the experience as challenging, noting the emotional difficulty of watching the capsule depart without them. Both astronauts are now integrated into the ISS crew, participating in maintenance and experiments, with Williams set to take command soon. They welcomed a new Soyuz spacecraft carrying additional crew members, temporarily increasing the station's population. Despite the challenges, both astronauts remain positive, appreciating the support from home and emphasizing their commitment to civic duties, including voting from space. The Starliner mission marked Boeing's first crewed flight, but its future in NASA's commercial crew program remains uncertain, especially as SpaceX has been successfully flying astronauts since 2020. Williams expressed excitement about the unique opportunity to operate two different spacecraft during their mission.

- NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams are stranded in space after the Boeing Starliner capsule returned without them.

- Their mission duration has extended from eight days to over eight months due to safety concerns.

- Both astronauts are now part of the ISS crew, contributing to ongoing experiments and maintenance.

- The Starliner faced technical issues, raising uncertainties about Boeing's future in NASA's commercial crew program.

- Williams and Wilmore remain committed to their civic duties, including voting from space.