Stranded astronaut Butch Wilmore has revealed what he believes truly 'saved' him from his nine month stay on board the International Space Station (ISS), and it's neither a space agency or the government that brought him back.
Wilmore embarked on an expedition to the ISS last June, and was only planned to spend eight days on board with his fellow NASA astronaut Suni Williams.
However, issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft meant that this stay became delayed, and a long 285 days later they both finally returned to Earth in an ordeal that even drew the attention of US President Donald Trump.
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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was urged by President Trump to 'go get' the pair as soon as possible, and while last minute technical issues threatened to continue the delays, they finally landed back on Earth on March 18, splashing into the ocean off the coast of Florida near some unlikely visitors.
While Wilmore personally thanked President Trump for his efforts in bringing the pair back, and seemed to bizarrely confirm Elon Musk's claims that the delay was the fault of the Biden administration, he's since revealed the one key thing that 'saved' him from the unfortunately circumstances he found himself within.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Wilmore has attributed his resolve to his faith, outlining that while his situation wasn't ideal, "it all works out for those that will believe.
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"It's bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ he is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity and how that plays into our lives is significant and important," illustrated Wilmore.
Prior to his successful return home, Wilmore also explained: "However [God's plan] plays out, I am content because I understand that. I understand that He's at work in all things, some things are for the good, go to Hebrews 11, some things look to us to be not so good but it all works out for his good for those that will believe."
Both Wilmore and his family are devout Christians, and have relayed how their faith helped them to remain confident and strong throughout his extended absence in space.
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"We're not saying this means that nothing bad will happen or the Starliner will bring Barry home safely," indicated Wilmore's wife Deanna in reference to her religious beliefs, "but whatever the Lord does will be for our good and for His glory."