Stranded astronauts send Christmas message from space

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Astronauts stranded on the International Space Station over Christmas have sent a festive message back to Earth.

Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, Don Pettit and Nick Hague were launched into space on 5 June on what was due to be an eight-day test flight mission.

But the Boeing-made Starliner spacecraft suffered several technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, and has been unable to return since.

In the video message, recorded on 23 December, Mr Hague says: "The holiday season, it's about spending time with friends and family and loved ones - this year we're going to be in orbit away from them, so we want to send our heartfelt merry Christmas and we hope you have a wonderful holiday."

In the clip, the astronauts pass each other weightless candy canes, with Mr Hague adding: "We're not the only ones who are going to spend time away from our families.

"There's a huge team on the ground that's going to support us with mission controls around the globe over the holidays and I want to thank them for the sacrifices they're making together."

Finally Mr Pettit says the holidays are "synonymous with food and feasting" as they show off an air-tight package of canned food.

It isn't the first Christmas Ms Williams has spent defying gravity - she was in space for the festive season in 2006.

Last month, the crew were given a day off to celebrate Thanksgiving - and also took time out from their duties to cast their votes in the US election on 5 November.

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