NASA astronauts not ‘fretting’ over extended mission, ‘grateful’ for more time in space after Starliner woes [Video]

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore assured folks Friday they’re not “fretting” over being delayed in returning to Earth by several months and that they are “grateful” for the extra time in space.

“We’re not surprised when plans get changed,” Williams, her hair standing on end, told reporters in an afternoon press conference, a week after the troubled Boeing Starliner that carried the pair to the space station in June returned to Earth by itself.

Williams and Wilmore launched June 5 to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner and were expected to only stay eight days before returning home in the capsule, but helium leaks and thruster problems on board caused concerns.

Eventually, it was decided the astronauts would extend their stay at the space station and are expected to return in February with a crew launching later this month in a SpaceX Dragon capsule that will leave two seats empty.

BOEING’S STARLINER …