WASHINGTON, March 31 – After spending an extended nine months in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are slowly reacclimating to life on Earth, Enjoying everyday moments such as taking their dogs for walks and cherishing time with their loved ones. At the same time, they are gearing up to collaborate with Boeing on evaluating the challenges faced by the Starliner spacecraft that left them stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Returning to normal activities has been a gradual process for the astronauts. Williams, reflecting on her first outdoor run since coming back, described the sensation as both refreshing and unfamiliar. “It felt great to be back. I went for a run—very slow—but just feeling the air moving past me, even if it was humid, was incredible,” she shared. “Seeing people on the track and just being outside again—it feels like home.”
Wilmore and Williams, who were the first crew to ride Boeing’s Starliner last summer, have undergone routine medical evaluations at NASA’s astronaut office since their return in March. These health checks are standard for astronauts who spend long durations in space, as the human body undergoes significant changes in microgravity, including muscle atrophy and shifts in fluid distribution. After completing their post-mission assessments, they were able to reunite with their families and take time to readjust before resuming work.
Now, the two astronauts are preparing to meet with Boeing officials this week to provide direct insights from their experience aboard the Starliner. Wilmore emphasized the importance of their firsthand knowledge, stating, “We had a very unique perspective being inside the spacecraft. Nobody else has had that experience, and that’s something we need to share.” Their discussions will focus on what went wrong, what worked as expected, and what improvements are necessary before the spacecraft can fly again.
Starliner’s Unexpected Journey
The Starliner mission was initially planned as an eight-day test flight but turned into a nine-month contingency stay after technical malfunctions delayed their return. The capsule, meant to be Boeing’s contribution to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, faced propulsion system failures that made it unsafe for the astronauts to use for re-entry. Instead, NASA arranged for them to return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in March, further highlighting Boeing’s struggles in developing a reliable spacecraft.
Starliner’s issues forced NASA to rethink its approach. While the program was originally designed to provide an alternative option to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, Boeing’s setbacks have raised concerns over reliability. NASA and Boeing are now planning ground tests on the spacecraft’s propulsion system later this year, with the next test flight targeted for early 2026. However, officials are considering whether that mission should be conducted without a crew onboard to ensure all systems function properly.
Williams supports the idea of another uncrewed test flight before any astronauts are sent on board. “That’s already being discussed because some new components will be added or replaced. We want to test everything properly before another crewed flight,” she explained. “It’s a smart and careful approach.”
The Future of Boeing’s Spacecraft
Boeing has faced an uphill battle with the Starliner program, with the spacecraft’s development costs surpassing $2 billion since 2016. Multiple test missions have encountered delays and technical failures, making the program far more expensive and time-consuming than initially planned. If the 2026 flight is conducted without a crew, it would mark Boeing’s third uncrewed Starliner test, following the previous two in 2019 and 2022.
Wilmore and Williams were assigned as Starliner’s test crew in 2022, part of NASA’s strategy to establish a second U.S. option for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. Currently, NASA relies solely on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been operational since 2020. Having Starliner as an alternative remains a priority, as it would provide more flexibility for NASA’s space missions and reduce dependence on a single provider.
The ISS, a massive research facility orbiting Earth, has been continuously occupied by international astronaut crews for over 25 years. It serves as a crucial platform for scientific studies, particularly those focused on the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to microgravity can cause muscle loss, changes in vision, and other physiological effects. Wilmore and Williams, like other astronauts before them, have had to undergo extensive medical evaluations upon returning to assess how their bodies have adapted.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges faced by Boeing’s spacecraft, Wilmore and Williams remain optimistic about the future of the program. Their upcoming discussions with Boeing engineers will play a key role in determining the next steps for Starliner’s development. “We’re looking at where we stand and where we need to go,” Williams stated. “This is all part of the process of making Starliner a safe and reliable vehicle.”
While their time on the ISS lasted far longer than originally planned, the astronauts’ experience has provided NASA and Boeing with valuable insights into the spacecraft’s strengths and weaknesses. If all goes according to plan, Boeing hopes to conduct a successful Starliner mission in the coming years, ensuring that NASA has multiple options for space transportation.
For now, Wilmore and Williams are enjoying the simple pleasures of Earth—reconnecting with loved ones, engaging in outdoor activities, and taking in the sights and sounds that were absent during their long stay in orbit. But soon, they will be back to work, helping shape the future of space exploration.