British astronaut Tim Peake has said the Boeing test pilots stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) are in no danger, despite uncertainty over how or when they will return to Earth.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams flew the first crewed mission of the aerospace giant’s Starliner spacecraft to the ISS in early June.
But several thrusters used to steer the capsule failed and the pair are waiting for Boeing and NASA to find a fix.
“I know Butch and Suni very well,” he told Sky News.
“The ISS is a fantastic hub with plenty of food and resources. The crew are completely safe and I know the agencies are working on a return option for them.
“Every astronaut has to consider the risks involved in human space flight. It’s something we do and go through as individuals to be comfortable with.”
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Mr Peake spoke to Sky News at the Farnborough International Airshow, where it was announced he is joining the first commercial mission to put UK astronauts in orbit.
His role at Axiom Space, which is organising the mission in partnership with the UK Space Agency, will be to attract at least £200m in private sponsorship to make it happen.
“I think it is hugely important,” he said.
“The space industry in the UK is doing well, growing at four times the rate of the UK economy.
“So, by having this strong presence for UK space exploration it means that filters down and brings a return to the rest of the space industry.”
Tim Peake…
