Family of astronaut stuck in space hoping for safe return

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - When Boeing’s Starliner capsule launched on June 5, Butch Wilmore was only supposed to be in space for eight days.

According to NASA, he might not be returning until February 2025.

“You know, we probably don’t expect him until February, February or March,” said his wife, Deanna Wilmore.

Deanna Wilmore said her husband told her there is an ongoing discussion about their capsule’s safety as they evaluate its thrusters.

Wilmore’s family Facetime him several times most days as a way to stay in touch from the International Space Station.

“It is so cool. He gives us a lot of Earth views. I especially like seeing the sunset,” his daughter Daryn said.

While there is a chance that Butch Wilmore could come home with another crew in September, his family predicts they will not see him until next year meaning. He will miss important events like Christmas, his 30th wedding anniversary, most of his daughter Logan’s senior year of high school and Daryn’s college theater performances.

“You just sort of have to roll with it and expect the unexpected,” Deanna Wilmore said.

Although the family misses him, they said they understand that what is happening is out of their control.

The Wilmores said they are at peace knowing that Butch Wilmore enjoys his job and is doing what he can to stay safe while in space.

“He just takes it that the Lord is in control and since the Lord is in control, he’s content where he is,” Deanna Wilmore said.

For now, the return date for Butch Wilmore and the crew is unclear.

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