NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are extending their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft delayed their return. The mission, originally planned for eight days, saw the Starliner return to Earth on September 7 without the astronauts. Williams and Wilmore will remain in space and are expected to return on a SpaceX spacecraft in February 2025.

Space Mission Extension
During a recent press conference, Wilmore explained the delay, stating, “We encountered some issues that made us uncomfortable about returning on Starliner.” He added, “Fortunately, we had the space station and other options to return safely if the data showed that was necessary.”

Williams shared her positive outlook on the extended mission, noting, “This is my happy place. I love being up here in space.” She acknowledged the unexpected delay but emphasized the importance of focusing on future opportunities, saying, “We wanted to take Starliner to completion and land back home, but you have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity.”

Williams admitted to feeling some nervousness about the delay, particularly regarding personal plans for the fall and winter, including time with family. “In the back of my mind, there are folks on the ground who have plans, like my family… spending time with my mother. And I think I was fretting more about that,” she said.

Civic Engagement from Orbit
Both astronauts are also addressing their civic duties while in space. Wilmore revealed that he has requested his absentee ballot, stating, “I sent down my request for a ballot today.” Williams expressed her enthusiasm about participating in the voting process from orbit but did not disclose her preferred presidential candidate.

Space Voting History
Voting from space has been an option since 1997, when Texas legislation allowed NASA employees to vote from orbit. NASA astronaut David Wolf was the first American to vote from space aboard the Mir Space Station that year. More recently, in 2020, NASA astronaut Kate Rubins voted from the ISS.

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