NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore recently shared what truly saved him during a challenging nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
In a new interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, the 61-year-old devout Christian opened up about finding peace and purpose despite unexpected delays that extended his stay in space.
Wilmore launched into orbit on June 5, 2023, alongside astronaut Sunita Williams aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
What was meant to be a short mission turned into months of uncertainty when technical issues with Starliner forced NASA to postpone their return, originally scheduled for June 13, 2023.
The duo finally splashed down off Florida’s coast on a Tuesday at 5:57 p.m. ET, much later than planned.
@abcnewsaus Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have arrived back on Earth after a 17-hour journey in the four-person SpaceX Dragon Capsule. The pair spent 286 days onboard the International Space Station after the failure of Boeing's Starliner capsule extended their original week-long mission. The SpaceX Dragon capsule containing Williams and Wilmore, along with their colleagues Aleksandr Gorbunov and Nick Hague, splashed down as planned off the Florida coast. All four astronauts have now been safely taken out of the capsule. Original reporting by Reuters and AP. Edit by David Douglas Stuart for ABC News Digital. To personalise your news & stay in the know, download the ABC News app via the link our bio. #ABCNews #NASA #SpaceX #Astronaut #Space #ISS ♬ original sound – ABC News Australia
Throughout the ordeal, Wilmore leaned on his spiritual beliefs. “It all works out for those that will believe,” he said, crediting his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for guiding him. “He is working out His plan and His purposes for His glory throughout all of humanity, and how that plays into our lives is significant and important.”
Born in Tennessee and now residing in Texas with his wife Deanna and daughters Daryn and Logan, Wilmore is an active member of Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena.
His faith remained steadfast before and during the mission. Moments before liftoff, he and Williams prayed with technicians on the launchpad—a testament to their trust in God.
Butch Wilmore, 61, with wife Deanna and daughters Daryn & Logan/ Instagram
Faith Over Fear
Wilmore’s family mirrored his reliance on faith. “The Lord has given all of us peace throughout all of this, and we know it was His plan,” Daryn told DailyMail.com after her father’s safe return.
Deanna added, “Whatever the Lord does will be for our good and for His glory—even if we don’t fully understand it.”
The extended mission drew attention beyond NASA. In January, former President Donald Trump accused then-President Joe Biden of “abandoning” the astronauts, urging Elon Musk to rescue them. NASA soon adjusted the timeline, ensuring Wilmore and Williams’ safe return.
Back on Earth, Wilmore reflected on his biggest takeaway: “However [God’s plan] plays out, I am content because I understand that. He’s at work in all things.” Citing Hebrews 11, he emphasized that both good and difficult moments serve a divine purpose for believers.