NASA Astronauts Wilmore and Williams Recover After Boeing Starliner Delay

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are steadily recovering after spending nine unexpected months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Initially intended for an eight-day test flight, the mission extended when Starliner experienced propulsion problems that forced NASA to return the capsule uncrewed in 2023.

The astronauts returned to Earth in March 2025 and have since undergone intensive physical therapy to readjust to gravity. Wilmore, 62, noted the difficulties of re-adapting to Earth's conditions, saying, “Gravity stinks for a period.” Williams, 59, echoed the challenges, highlighting muscle fatigue and delayed energy recovery. Both astronauts spent about two hours daily with NASA’s reconditioning specialists during a standard 45-day rehab period.

Despite lingering issues, such as neck pain for Wilmore and fatigue for Williams, both are now supporting Boeing and NASA operations, helping evaluate the Starliner program and contributing to ISS-related research. Wilmore noted that some of his preexisting physical pain vanished in microgravity but returned immediately upon splashdown.

Boeing has already incurred over $2 billion in costs developing Starliner and is awaiting a key decision from NASA: whether to mandate another uncrewed flight before resuming crewed missions. Williams supports the idea, citing the cautious approach taken by SpaceX and Russia in launching uncrewed missions before sending astronauts.

NASA expects to complete tests of Starliner over the summer, which will determine if it’s ready to fly humans again. Williams and Wilmore continue to be key figures in that assessment as Boeing aims to regain trust in its human spaceflight program.

The Starliner setback adds to Boeing’s ongoing challenges, contrasting with the consistent performance of rival capsules developed by SpaceX. NASA’s upcoming decision will be pivotal for Boeing’s future in space exploration.