In a gripping story that has drawn both awe and anxiety, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have opened up about the life-threatening challenges they faced during the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed mission, which was supposed to last eight days but stretched into nearly 10 months in orbit.

The pair were launched aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule in June 2024, embarking on what was meant to be a routine test flight to the International Space Station (ISS). However, unexpected thruster failures during the approach to the station left them in a state of alarming uncertainty.

Thruster failure and near disaster

As the Starliner approached the ISS, its thrusters malfunctioned, preventing it from moving forward to complete a successful docking procedure. Without the ability to dock, the astronauts faced a frightening prospect: they might not be able to return home at all.

Butch Wilmore recalled the situation as critical. He explained that docking was imperative, and in those moments of uncertainty, the thought crossed their minds that they might never return to Earth. However, with the help of Mission Control on the ground, the thrusters were eventually restarted, allowing the astronauts to dock successfully within minutes.

Despite their extensive training, the reality of potentially being stranded in space became real. Both astronauts admitted they had grave concerns, but avoided vocalising them, focusing instead on solutions. Suni Williams said they leaned on each other’s instincts and training, asking themselves what tools they had and what actions they could take next.

Unexpected 10-month stay

Although the Starliner had docked successfully, the technical issues during flight prompted NASA to reconsider using the capsule for the return journey. Despite Boeing’s confidence in the spacecraft’s safety, the agency opted to leave the astronauts aboard the ISS while assessing alternatives.

What followed was an unexpected nine-month stay in orbit, during which the astronauts continued conducting scientific experiments, maintained the space station, and remained in good health through rigorous exercise regimens.

Eventually, the two astronauts returned to Earth on 18 March 2025 aboard a SpaceX capsule, as NASA determined that was the safer option at the time. Boeing later sent the Starliner capsule back to Earth uncrewed in September 2024, successfully landing it and proving its reentry capabilities, although not without ongoing questions.

Stranded but not helpless

Throughout their extended mission, the astronauts were repeatedly described as stranded, but this may not have accurately reflected the reality. The ISS always has emergency return spacecraft docked, such as SpaceX Dragon capsules or Russian Soyuz craft, which can be used as lifeboats.

However, the label of stranded stuck in public discourse, especially after political controversy erupted when former US President Donald Trump blamed Joe Biden for allegedly leaving the astronauts in space. The astronauts firmly rejected that narrative, choosing instead to focus on the professionalism of NASA’s teams.

They expressed deep trust in their ground crew. Suni Williams stated they always knew that people were working around the clock to bring them back safely, and at no point did they truly feel abandoned.

Adapting physically and mentally

After returning to Earth, both astronauts say they’re feeling fit and healthy. That’s partly due to daily strength training routines they followed in space, including squats and deadlifts in zero gravity.

Butch Wilmore noted that he was stronger than ever after the mission, while Suni Williams, who once ran a marathon in space on a treadmill, quickly resumed running after returning to Earth.

Despite their physical fitness, both admitted that readjusting to Earth’s gravity is not easy. Williams described the sensation of gravity weighing on her body again as painful, and said that returning to normal life on Earth required both patience and time.

Starliner’s future still bright

Following their return, NASA and Boeing began in-depth investigations into the Starliner’s performance issues, focusing particularly on the thruster malfunctions that almost derailed the mission. Both astronauts have been heavily involved in the debriefing and redesign process.

Despite the dramatic experience, both Wilmore and Williams remain enthusiastic about the Starliner’s potential. They highlighted that the spacecraft has unique capabilities that other systems, including SpaceX’s Dragon, do not offer. These features could be highly valuable for future space missions.

Wilmore said he is hopeful that Starliner will fly again, and he would personally volunteer to fly it once the current issues are resolved. Williams agreed, calling the spacecraft very capable and saying that she still believes in its potential to become a reliable crew transport vehicle for NASA and other agencies.

The road ahead for Boeing and NASA

The Starliner programme has faced numerous delays and budget overruns since its inception. Originally envisioned as a rival to SpaceX’s crew transport service, Boeing’s development journey has been marked by technical challenges, failed tests, and critical reviews.

However, the successful return of the capsule in an uncrewed state and the constructive feedback from astronauts who flew it offer Boeing a chance at redemption. NASA continues to work with both companies under its Commercial Crew Program, which seeks to ensure multiple pathways for crewed spaceflight to the ISS and beyond.

NASA has not ruled out future crewed missions using Starliner. In fact, the experience of Williams and Wilmore could become a valuable case study in improving spacecraft resilience, emergency protocols, and crew mental preparedness during long-duration missions.

Conclusion

The Starliner mission that began as a simple test flight turned into an epic saga of survival, engineering, and human resilience. The astronauts’ calm under pressure, their physical discipline, and their unshakable trust in ground control reflect the best of modern space exploration.

Despite near-disaster, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned stronger and more determined than ever, offering hope for the Starliner’s future and serving as a reminder that even in the void of space, teamwork, preparation, and innovation can bring people safely home.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Ganga Bath Fittings, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are 3B Films, N R Vandana Tex Industries, Scoda Tubes, Neptune Petrochemicals.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.