Astronauts talks on rare 286-day space stay.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore opened up about their extended 286-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS) during their first TV interview with Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer on March 31, 2025. originally planned as an eight-day trip, their stay stretched over nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, a challenge that ultimately led to their return via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule on March 18. the astronauts shared insights into their unexpected journey, highlighting the resilience that kept them going through the prolonged mission.

Williams expressed enthusiasm about the broader impact of their extended stay, noting that it drew attention from high-profile figures like US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. she emphasized that their mission helped more people, including Trump and Musk, understand the critical work being conducted at the ISS, from scientific experiments to international collaboration. the astronauts’ reflections come amid discussions about the future of space exploration, with their experience underscoring both the challenges and opportunities of long-duration missions.

their story has sparked renewed interest in NASA’s operations, with Williams and Wilmore expressing gratitude for the support that ensured their safe return. as they readjust to life on Earth, their insights offer a glimpse into the realities of space travel, inspiring a new wave of curiosity about humanity’s role in the cosmos.