
Stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore haven't taken long to address their future after returning to Earth, as a shocking admission from the pair about their plans has left many stunned.
Understandably, both Williams and Wilmore were desperate to return home to Earth and back to their families after spending 285 days in total on board the International Space Station.
What was supposed to be an eight day mission stretched over nine months in total following technical issues with both Boeing Starliner and SpaceX spacecrafts, yet they finally made their way back to Earth on March 18, although their arrival was hijacked by some surprising guests.
Advert
They managed to complete over 150 unique experiments during their 900 hours of research time in space, although the extended time they spend in low gravity environments put their bodies at risk, which is why they were immediately stretchered away to a medical rehabilitation facility following their return.
You'd expect the last thing that they'd want to do now is return to space after such a long stay, but both have shocked the world with a recent admission regarding their future.
During NASA's official SpaceX Crew-9 post-flight conference, the pair were questioned whether they would be willing to return to the International Space Station on the Boeing Starliner that let them down.
"Yes," responded Butch Wilmore emphatically to the question, before shortly expanding on why he believes it to be important that they try again with the Starliner.
Advert
"Because we're going to rectify all of the issues that we encountered. We're gonna fix them. We're going to make it work. Boeing's completely committed, NASA is complete committed, and with that I'd get on in a heartbeat."
Despite the ordeal that they both went though, it's understandable that they'd feel like they have unfinished business - and its every astronaut's dream after all to spend as much time in space as possible.
"I would agree," added Suni Williams in support. "The spacecraft is really capable, there are a couple of things that need to be fixed like Butch mentioned and folks are actively working on that, but it is a great spacecraft and has a lot of capability that other spacecraft don't have, and to see that thing successful and to be part of that program is an honor."
Advert
Williams previously revealed while on board the ISS that it would likely be her last mission into space, but things have seemingly changed following her return and she's eager to rectify the issues and complete what was initially intended.