NASA Astronauts Abandoned in Space: The Harrowing Story of Survival and Betrayal

NASA astronauts stuck at the International Space Station have finally broken their silence about the harrowing experience they endured after being left behind by the Starliner spacecraft.

The astronauts, whose identities have been withheld for security purposes, spoke to ABC News in an exclusive interview, recounting the emotional rollercoaster they rode as they struggled to come to terms with their unexpected situation.

According to the astronauts, the hardest part was not the physical isolation, but the emotional toll of being abandoned in space. "We felt like we had been left behind," one of the astronauts said, their voice shaking with emotion. "We were counting on the Starliner to return us to Earth, but when it didn't show up, we felt like we had been deserted."

The astronauts said they went through a range of emotions, from anger and frustration to sadness and despair. "We felt like we were in limbo," one of them said. "We didn't know when or if we would ever return to Earth. It was a scary feeling, not knowing what the future held for us."

Despite the challenges they faced, the astronauts said they drew strength from each other. "We became each other's support system," one of them said. "We relied on each other for emotional support, and that's what got us through the tough times."

The astronauts also praised the support they received from Mission Control in Houston. "They were with us every step of the way," one of them said. "They kept us informed, and they made sure we had everything we needed to survive. We can't thank them enough for their support."

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Starliner spacecraft. NASA officials have promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, but so far, no explanation has been given for why the spacecraft failed to pick up the astronauts.

The incident has also raised questions about the future of space travel. "This incident is a reminder of the risks involved in space travel," one expert said. "But it's not going to stop us from exploring space. We will learn from our mistakes and move forward, making sure that this kind of incident never happens again."

In the meantime, the astronauts remain stranded at the International Space Station, waiting for a new spacecraft to arrive and take them home. "We're just taking it one day at a time," one of them said. "We're focusing on our work, and we're trying to stay positive. We know that we'll get through this, and we'll come out stronger on the other side."