Stranded Astronauts Grateful for Support Amid SpaceX Rescue Await

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, stuck at the International Space Station since June, have expressed appreciation for public support. They remain on the ISS after Boeing's Starliner capsule faced issues, awaiting a SpaceX capsule for return. The situation reflects challenges in NASA's commercial crew program involving SpaceX and Boeing.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who remain stranded at the International Space Station, have expressed gratitude for the public support they have received. In their first public remarks since last week's return of the troubled Boeing Starliner capsule, the astronauts acknowledged the prayers and well wishes from those back home.

The pair stayed behind when NASA deemed the Starliner capsule too risky for their return. They are now fully integrated into the ISS crew, contributing to routine maintenance and scientific experiments. This week, they welcomed additional crew members from a Soyuz spacecraft, bringing the station's population to 12, nearing records.

Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains and NASA veterans, will remain aboard until late February when they are expected to return via a SpaceX capsule. The SpaceX spacecraft, set to launch later this month, will carry a reduced crew of two to provide space for Wilmore and Williams on the trip home.

The Starliner's journey, Boeing's first manned spaceflight, was marred by technical issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks. While the capsule returned safely to Earth, Boeing's position in NASA's commercial crew program, which also involves SpaceX, now appears uncertain.

The space agency contracted SpaceX and Boeing for orbital transport following the retirement of the shuttle program. SpaceX has successfully flown astronauts since 2020, but Boeing's troubled debut raises questions about its future role.

(With inputs from agencies.)