Wilmore, Williams Address NASA's Role in Starliner Delay After 286 Days in Space

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who spent 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), addressed their extended mission and the issues surrounding Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in their first press conference since returning to Earth. Wilmore took personal responsibility for the spacecraft's failures, stating that everyone involved shares accountability, including NASA and Boeing. Both astronauts expressed gratitude towards President Trump and Elon Musk for their support during their ordeal, highlighting the significance of their mission for the U.S. space program. They emphasized the need to rectify the problems encountered with Starliner and acknowledged the importance of their extended stay in raising awareness of space exploration. Williams noted the physical challenges of living in space for so long, while Wilmore indicated a willingness to return to space if the issues are resolved. NASA engineers continue to investigate the thruster malfunction that delayed their return, with further tests planned in the coming months.