Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Say They Are Proud Starliner Made It Home

Butch says the transition to space has been "very easy".

"Your joints don't ache because there's no pressure on them," he says, which is "actually quite nice".

Wilmore jokes that he's been told he has the "second best hair in the scene" as we can see it stand straight up in zero-gravity.

He says the transition to space has been "very easy".
 

Butch discusses the mindset required for NASA astronauts, emphasizing the challenges and fortitude needed. "It's not an easy business. We encounter various difficulties and situations, requiring a great deal of resilience," he notes. When asked about extended missions, he asserts, "Whether it's 8 days or 8 months, 9 months, or 10 months, we will perform to the best of our abilities. It's all about having the right mindset." NASA astronauts are selected for qualities like good judgment, motivation, teamwork, and resourcefulness, and undergo rigorous training to prepare for these demanding roles.

Williams and Wilmore, who trained for years for this mission, reflect on their experience. Williams acknowledges that while returning on SpaceX rather than Starliner wasn't their first choice, they are grateful for the chance to use both spacecraft. Wilmore emphasizes their resilience, noting their extensive training for various scenarios, learned throughout his career. “You have to go with what the good Lord gives you,” he says.

Asked about watching the Starliner leave without them, Williams explains that their role was to ensure its safe departure from the ISS. “We watched our spaceship fly away,” she notes, while communicating with the control team on Earth. Drawing from their Navy experience, she adds that changes in deployments aren’t surprising, and their families understand the risks involved. “That’s just how it goes in the business,” she says.

Butch addresses concerns about the Boeing Starliner, which NASA deemed unsafe for returning astronauts. He admits they identified issues they couldn't resolve in time but believes they could have eventually used Starliner. With the International Space Station's tight schedule, he’s grateful for the SpaceX spacecraft, which will safely bring them back to Earth next year.

Sunita Williams expressed enthusiasm about their upcoming mission, noting their excitement at the prospect of flying different aircraft. She highlighted their readiness to seize every opportunity that comes their way. Williams emphasized the importance of moving forward, stating that it's time to turn the page and embrace the next challenge.

Sunita & Butch planning to cast their election ballots from space. Wilmore says he sent down his request for a ballot to vote earlier on Friday.

"They should get it to us in the coming weeks," he says, adding he is excited to cast his vote from the International Space Station.

Williams says being able to "vote from space is pretty cool."

She adds that there are some things on Earth that she misses, like her family, "my two dogs," and "my friends".

"I know they understand. I know it's tough on them as well," Williams says. "But everyone understands and everyone is cheering for us to get back."

Butch explained that 90% of their astronaut training is preparing for "the unexpected".

On being asked if Sunita and Butch feel let down by Nasa and Boeing? Butch replied “Absolutely not.”

Pointing to Suni's t-shirt with a Nasa logo on it, he says "that represents something that we stand for as an agency - we go beyond, we do things that are out of the ordinary".

"This is not easy," he adds.

We can see them inside the International Space Station with Wilmore holding the microphone and saying how it's been "quite an evolution over the last three months".

This operation is not easy: Butch 
 

We do things that are out of ordinary: Butch 
 

News conference begins

Audio check completed for Sunita and Butch

NASA said the coverage of the event will stream on NASA+, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. 

"The pair will participate in a news conference aboard the International Space Station in low Earth orbit," said the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to participate in a live press conference from space on September 13 at 11:45 pm IST.