NASA astronaut Sunita Williams calls the ISS her “happy place” despite being stuck in space for 8 months

Indian-born astronaut Sunita Williams, currently on the International Space Station (ISS), has called it her “happy place” and said she is enjoying her time there despite her mission being unexpectedly extended. Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore were originally scheduled to spend eight days in orbit after launching aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5. However, due to technical issues, their stay was extended to eight months.

The crew was supposed to return aboard the Starliner, but several technical problems – including helium leaks and engine failures – prevented the spacecraft from returning them safely to Earth. Last week, the Starliner finally returned without the astronauts. At a press conference, Williams said of the situation: “That’s just the way it goes in this business.”

Despite the delay, Williams expressed satisfaction with life on the station, as both she and Wilmore have previous experience on the ISS. “This is my comfort zone. I love being up here in space,” she said. Although they hoped to complete their mission on the Starliner, Williams added, “You have to turn the page and look for the next opportunity.”

Williams and Wilmore are now scheduled to return to Earth in February 2024 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, which is managed by Elon Musk’s company. While Williams admitted she was a little nervous about the delay in returning, particularly due to family plans, she said her loved ones have been supportive. Wilmore, on the other hand, said he was not disappointed by the extended stay, explaining that safety concerns about the Starliner led to their rebooking on a SpaceX flight. “We just couldn’t get comfortable with getting back on the Starliner,” he said.

A special aspect of their extended stay is that both astronauts will be voting from space in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Wilmore mentioned that he has already requested his ballot, calling it an important civic duty. Williams echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m looking forward to voting from space, that’s pretty cool.”

Boeing’s Starliner has faced numerous delays and setbacks over the years. The June 5 launch with Williams and Wilmore on board was the spacecraft’s first crewed mission. But problems quickly arose. Five of the Starliner’s 28 engines failed and several helium leaks were detected. Although the spacecraft was still able to dock with the ISS, NASA and Boeing decided it was not safe for the astronauts to return, leading to the Starliner’s empty return and the transfer of the astronauts to the SpaceX mission.

Despite the technical setbacks, Williams and Wilmore remain optimistic. Their return, scheduled for February, will see them continue on board the ISS and contribute to ongoing research and experiments in space.