NASA astronauts speak out in first interview after 9 months in space

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams

|Published 10:00 AM ET, Tuesday April 01, 2025|

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams recently shared insights following their unexpected nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally slated for a brief eight-day test flight on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, propulsion system issues extended their stay significantly. ​

Upon their return to Earth on March 18, 2025, via a SpaceX capsule, both astronauts expressed a positive outlook on their prolonged mission. Williams emphasized the importance of adaptability, stating, “We just gotta pivot… let’s make the best of it.” Wilmore highlighted their commitment to the mission’s objectives, remarking, “It’s not about me… It’s about what this human space flight program is about. It’s our national goals.” ​

Addressing the technical challenges faced, Wilmore acknowledged shared responsibility among all parties involved, including himself, NASA, and Boeing. He emphasized a forward-looking approach: “We don’t want to look back and say, ‘shame, shame, shame.’ We want to look forward and say: Let’s rectify what we’ve learned, and let’s make the future even more productive and better.” ​

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Despite the setbacks, both astronauts expressed confidence in the Starliner spacecraft and their willingness to fly on it again. Williams affirmed, “We’re all in,” while Wilmore added, “I’d get on in a heartbeat.” ​

Their experiences underscore the resilience and dedication required in space exploration, highlighting the collaborative efforts necessary to advance human spaceflight.

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