Astronauts Thank Trump, Musk After 286-Day ISS Mission

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were stranded on the International Space Station for 286 days, expressed gratitude towards SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump for their roles in ensuring their safe return to Earth. Their mission was originally intended to last eight days but extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. In their first interviews post-return, both astronauts emphasized their trust in Trump and Musk, describing their involvement in the human spaceflight program as empowering and significant for the nation. Wilmore and Williams highlighted the importance of national leadership in space exploration and appreciated the increased attention on America's space program stemming from their extended stay. They reflected on their experiences in space, adapting to the situation, and the resilience required from their families during the prolonged mission. The astronauts conveyed a positive outlook on the future of U.S. space endeavors, thanks to the engagement of leaders like Trump and Musk.