NASA Astronauts Reacclimate to Life on Earth after Mission Mishap

After an unplanned nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are reacclimating to life on Earth and working closely with Boeing to address challenges encountered with the Starliner spacecraft.

Originally intended as an eight-day test flight in June 2024, their mission was unexpectedly extended when propulsion system issues rendered the Starliner capsule unable to return as scheduled. As a result, NASA integrated the astronauts into the ISS crew rotation, extending their stay until March 2025. They ultimately returned aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule.

Since their return, Wilmore and Williams have undergone routine medical evaluations and are now enjoying the return to everyday comforts.

“It’s great getting back. I went for a run—although very slow. Just felt good to feel air, even though it was humid air, like blowing past you, and seeing other people on the track, it’s really nice. It’s home,” Williams shared in a press statement.

Beyond personal recovery, both astronauts are collaborating with Boeing engineers to help resolve the technical issues encountered during their mission. Their firsthand experience aboard the Starliner makes them invaluable in improving the spacecraft’s design and safety systems.

“We had a very unique perspective of being in the spacecraft—nobody else had that perspective,” Williams told Reuters.

Looking ahead, NASA and Boeing plan to conduct ground tests on the Starliner’s propulsion system this summer, with the aim of launching an uncrewed test flight in early 2026 before resuming human missions.

The Starliner program, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has faced multiple delays and technical setbacks. Boeing has invested over $2 billion into the spacecraft’s development since 2016. Despite the challenges, NASA emphasizes the importance of maintaining redundant launch systems to ensure continued human access to low-Earth orbit. The Starliner is intended to serve as a complementary transport system to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.