'We long to return home': Boeing Starliner astronauts share their thoughts on the postponed journey back to Earth.

The astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner, currently stationed at the International Space Station (ISS), engaged in discussions with NASA officials on Wednesday. Initially intended for a short mission, the crew is now preparing for their return to Earth this spring due to delays stemming from complications with the Boeing spacecraft. The Starliner crew launched on June 5, marking the first crewed test flight of Boeing's space capsule. What was meant to be an 8 to 10-day mission has turned into an extended stay of over six months, yet the astronauts remain positive about their time on the ISS. "We had a limited wardrobe for a bit, but it's not an issue for us," astronaut Butch Wilmore mentioned during a recent video conference with NASA. "Now we have plenty of outfits. We're well-nourished. I’ve never witnessed anyone eat as much as Don Petit." The call served as a New Year update for the crew, which includes astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who arrived aboard Boeing’s Starliner. They will return alongside SpaceX’s Crew-9 team following safety concerns regarding the Starliner spacecraft. Despite the prolonged mission, the astronauts are dedicated to their work, conducting experiments and contributing to NASA’s objectives in space exploration. "We’re working on developing life support systems that can be sustained beyond Earth’s orbit, so we don’t have to keep sending supplies," stated Crew-9 astronaut Nick Hague. The Starliner crew expressed that they are not anxious about the delays, thanks to the assistance of their ground teams. "We have a fantastic team down there, so we’re not concerned," Williams noted. "There’s plenty to accomplish with the ground team." Although the mission has extended well beyond its original schedule, the astronauts remain focused on their responsibilities. "No, it doesn’t feel like 'Castaway,'" Williams added. "We want to return home eventually. We left our families some time ago, but we have significant tasks to complete up here before we can go back." NASA has confirmed that the crew is now slated to return to Earth in late March.