They went to space for eight days - and could be stuck until 2025

[Cool Cory]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4yqepr469o



When two American astronauts blasted off on a test mission to the International Space Station on 5 June, they were expecting to be back home in a matter of days.
 
But things didn't quite go to plan. 
In fact, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams are still there, floating high above the Earth nearly two months later.
 
The pair - who are stuck indefinitely - now face the sudden prospect of missing the summer entirely and even spending Christmas and New Year in space. 
 
Mr Wilmore, 61, and Ms Williams, 58, flew a Boeing Starliner spacecraft to the station. It was the first flight of its kind with people on board and was a test designed to see how the new spacecraft performs before it is used more regularly.

 

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Sad to hear they'll have to spend several more months stuck there. I hope they're able to return back home eventually!

[Kyng]

Space missions are generally discussed in "Astronomy and Space Life" - so, I've moved this topic over there .

But, yes, this obviously sucks for them . I suppose the main thing is that they're safe (or at least, it sounds like they are) - but, it must be incredibly tough for them to be away from their loved ones for so long!

[Kyng]

Well, it's now confirmed that their eight-day trip is to be an eight-month trip - as they're due to return to Earth in February 2025:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy47w9yndpo

At least they know where they stand now, but surely, this is not what they were expecting from their trip .

[Kyng]

Well, they're finally on their way back to Earth:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025...ry-wilmore

Glad to see... I'm sure their families will be very pleased to see them again!