Join NASA each week as we dive into the thrilling realm of human spaceflight through the official podcast of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The podcast features in-depth conversations with astronauts, scientists, and engineers who are pivotal in making space exploration a reality. In episode 399, NASA astronaut Suni Williams shares insights from her record-breaking mission, reflecting on her experiences after returning to Earth and her journey as one of the most accomplished spacewalkers in history. This episode was recorded on August 5, 2025.
Welcome to Houston We Have a Podcast, hosted by Dane Turner. In this episode, we focus on the remarkable stories from the world of human spaceflight, featuring experts such as scientists, engineers, and astronauts who are at the forefront of space exploration.
In a landmark achievement, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams made history as the first humans to fly aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft during NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT). The mission launched on June 5, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Shortly after launch, the engineering teams faced challenges with the spacecraft's thrusters on June 6 while approaching the International Space Station (ISS).
Given the uncertainty in data that did not meet the safety and performance requirements for human spaceflight, NASA opted to return the Starliner safely to Earth uncrewed. Subsequently, Butch and Suni returned home aboard the SpaceX Dragon as part of the Crew-9 mission. The Starliner undocked without the astronauts and landed at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on September 7.
During their time on the ISS, Butch and Suni conducted over 150 experiments and logged more than 900 hours of research. Notably, Suni Williams set the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman at an impressive 62 hours and 6 minutes. Their experience as the first humans to pilot a crew-rated spacecraft has provided invaluable insights that will inform future missions.
After returning to Earth, Suni Williams shared her experiences on the podcast, detailing her busy schedule which included physical rehabilitation to regain strength and agility. She emphasized the importance of the medical tests conducted to ensure astronauts are ready for future missions. Suni also took the time to reconnect with family and friends, enjoying the cooler weather in New England after her long mission in space.
Reflecting on the lead-up to the CFT mission, Suni described the excitement and anticipation shared among the team members. Despite facing two launch scrubs, the team remained committed and focused, knowing that such challenges were part of the testing process. The collaboration between the astronauts and the United Launch Alliance was a learning experience that contributed to the successful launch.
Having piloted more than 30 aircraft types and multiple spacecraft, Suni compared the real launch experience of Starliner with the simulations, noting that while simulations were dramatic, the actual launch was smooth and well-executed. The thorough training prepared them for potential malfunctions, making their first day in space both exciting and relatively uneventful.
As the mission progressed, Suni and Butch faced challenges with the spacecraft's thrusters. They had to manually control the spacecraft for a period, showcasing their training and coordination with ground teams to ensure a safe docking procedure at the ISS. Their ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances was a testament to their training and teamwork.
Suni described the emotional moment when they successfully docked at the ISS, feeling a sense of accomplishment not just for themselves but for everyone involved in the mission. The arrival was celebrated as a significant achievement for NASA and Boeing, marking a new chapter in commercial spaceflight.
Post-mission, Suni emphasized the importance of the lessons learned during their flight, particularly regarding the decision-making processes that influenced their mission. She highlighted the need for continuous improvement in spacecraft design and operations, ensuring future missions are even more successful.
As Suni Williams contemplates her next steps, she is engaged in discussions about upcoming missions, including plans for lunar exploration. Her involvement in training for vertical landing systems is indicative of her continued dedication to advancing human spaceflight.
The podcast episode concludes on a note of gratitude, with Suni Williams reflecting on her incredible journey in space. Her numerous records, including her time spent in multiple spacecraft, set the stage for future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts. To hear more about Suni's experiences and the latest from NASA, tune in to the Houston We Have a Podcast series and stay connected through NASA's social media channels.
