Sunita Williams, feeling positive seven months into her eight-day NASA space mission, expressed that...

The two experienced astronauts reached the International Space Station in September for a planned eight-day mission, but have now been stranded there for more than seven months because of technical issues.

 File Photo: This undated handout picture from Nasa released on July2, 2024 shows NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts (from top) Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.  Photograph: (AFP)

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File Photo: An undated image provided by NASA and released on July 2, 2024, features astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. They are seen in the vestibule connecting the forward port of the Harmony module on the International Space Station to Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Photograph: (AFP)

On Wednesday, January 8, NASA astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have spent the past seven months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), reported that they have an ample supply of food and do not feel isolated or abandoned.

The two experienced astronauts reached the International Space Station in September for a planned eight-day mission, but have now been stranded there for more than seven months because of technical issues. 

"It's been a wonderful experience," remarks Sunita Williams.

In a conversation with NASA representatives, astronaut Sunita Williams, who hails from India, expressed that their morale remained elevated despite the unanticipated extended duration at the orbiting space station.

"It's truly a pleasure to be working in this place," she remarked, adding, "It doesn't feel like we've been abandoned."

"Ultimately, our goal is to return home since we parted from our families not too long ago, but there's still plenty to accomplish during our time here."

Despite ongoing worries regarding her health and weight loss from the extended time spent in space, Williams reassured, "We are receiving ample nutrition."

The experienced astronaut also provided insights into the laundry challenges in space, noting that the needs are quite different from those on Earth.

“Here, clothes are designed to fit more loosely. It’s quite different from Earth, where sweating can really make things uncomfortable. I mean, they’re just meant to be worn comfortably. You could wear the same outfit for weeks without feeling any irritation,” she explained. 

"When we return home, we'll have plenty of tales to share," Williams remarked. 

What is the duration of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's stay in space?

Reports indicate that the Starliner's propulsion system issues will delay the return of Williams and Wilmore to Earth. Their return is now projected for late March at the earliest, which means they are set to remain in space for over nine months.

Due to complications with the propulsion system, NASA has opted to bring the spacecraft back to Earth without its intended components. The astronauts who are currently stranded are anticipated to return alongside the crew of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.