Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Boeing's Starliner crew capsule on June 5, 2024, for a test flight intended to last a week, but faced multiple technical failures upon arrival at the International Space Station (ISS).

Originally planned for just a few weeks, their mission has now unexpectedly extended to eight months, leading to them being referred to as the 'stuck astronauts.'

Due to thruster failures and helium leaks, NASA deemed the Starliner too risky for a return flight, extending their mission until February 2025.

As of December 5, 2024, Wilmore and Williams have been in space for six months, with two months remaining in their extended mission.

Wilmore described their situation as a 'detour,' maintaining a positive mindset throughout their extended mission.

Both astronauts have expressed family concerns during the holiday season, with Wilmore missing significant family events and Williams looking forward to reuniting with her husband and pets.

During their time in space, they celebrated Thanksgiving with fellow astronauts, enjoying a special space menu that included traditional dishes.

NASA has indicated that astronauts are trained for extended stays, as demonstrated by previous missions like Frank Rubio's, which also faced unforeseen challenges.

Wilmore and Williams have provided invaluable feedback to Boeing regarding the Starliner's technical issues, which will aid in future flight preparations.

Following the successful return of an empty Starliner capsule in September 2024, both astronauts were reassigned to a SpaceX flight scheduled for late February 2025.

Despite the challenges, both astronauts have adapted quickly to their roles on the ISS, contributing to scientific experiments and performing maintenance tasks.

Williams remains engaged with her home life, participating in virtual events to promote running while her husband takes care of their pets.