Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, in orbit over Earth, have not been able to return to Earth due to problems with the Boeing Starliner. They appeared recently before the press to talk about what’s happening in the United States.
They talked about elections and said they would vote from space.
“Voting is our responsibility!
Wilmore said, “We have forwarded our ballot request down. It is an important civic duty being an American citizen, to exercise our right to vote. NASA will help us complete this duty.” Sunita Williams added, “Voting is our responsibility. Now, I am looking forward to exercising my right to vote from space.”
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Wilmore commented, “It feels tough to be separated from Boeing. We will have to spend a few more months in orbit. Still, being in space is a pleasure. We consider it part of our duties.” He noted that despite missing their families, being in space has not caused them any significant inconvenience.
NASA is test flying Boeing Crew Flight Test in this June. During a 10 day’s mission, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore with other astronaut arrived at the International Space Station aboard the Starliner spacecraft on June 5. NASA delays the returns of astronauts aboard the Starliner spacecraft scheduled to return June 14 due to technical issues, specifically leakage with the spacecraft thrusters.
While making repairs, Boeing’s return leg of the astronauts was delayed. Boeing maintained that Starliner was safe to transport astronauts back, but NASA did not agree. The Starliner landed safely at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. Early next year, SpaceX will transport astronauts back to Earth.
