NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Hold Live Press Conference from ISS

NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Hold Live Press Conference from ISS

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will participate in a live press conference today. The event is scheduled for September 13 at 11:45 PM IST, and will be available for viewers on NASA+, the NASA app, and the agency’s official website.

According to NASA, the duo will speak from their position in low Earth orbit as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew. Williams and Wilmore initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for what was intended to be an 8-day mission. However, complications with the Starliner have extended their stay by several months, with NASA now projecting their return to Earth in February 2025.

The astronauts will return aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Williams, referencing their eventual return, previously communicated with ground controllers, saying, "It’s time to bring Calypso home. We’ve got your backs, and you’ve got this. Bring her back to Earth," referring to their Starliner spacecraft.

NASA confirmed that while they wait for their return, Williams and Wilmore will continue their research and operational duties on the ISS. Their extended mission underscores the flexibility and endurance required for long-term space exploration.

This press conference marks a rare opportunity for the public to hear directly from astronauts living and working on the ISS, providing updates on their mission and the challenges they’ve faced during their extended stay in orbit.