How NASA's Sunita Williams' mother is keeping calm while her daughter remains stuck in space for the next 6 months
How NASA's Sunita Williams' mother is keeping calm while her daughter remains stuck in space for the next 6 months
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Mission Extension for Astronauts
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are experiencing a significant extension of their mission on the International Space Station (ISS), originally set for eight days but now extended to eight months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Unexpected Delays
with Starliner
The mission extension is a result of multiple technical problems with Boeing's Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. As a consequence, NASA has rescheduled the astronauts' return to Earth for February 2025, utilizing SpaceX’s Crew Dragon instead of Starliner.
Return to Earth via SpaceX Crew Dragon
The astronauts are now scheduled to return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February 2025, alongside two crew members from the SpaceX Crew-9 mission. The decision to switch spacecraft underscores ongoing challenges with the Starliner program.
Support from Sunita Williams’ Family
Despite the unexpected mission extension, Sunita Williams' family remains supportive and composed. Her husband, Michael J. Williams, and her mother, Bonnie Pandya, have expressed confidence in her well-being and expertise, highlighting their trust in her abilities as a seasoned astronaut.
Family’s Perspective on the Extended Mission
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Michael J. Williams described the ISS as his wife’s “happy place,” emphasizing her comfort and dedication to her work in space. Bonnie Pandya echoed similar sentiments, stating that she doesn't need to give her daughter any advice, as Sunita is well-prepared for the situation.
Reassurance from
Sunita Williams
Bonnie Pandya shared that she spoke with Sunita two days prior, and her daughter reassured her that everything was under control with a simple message: “Don’t worry about me.”
Continued ISS Duties
for the Crew
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will continue their duties as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew on the ISS until their return. Their mission will include routine operations and experiments aboard the station.
Starliner’s Next Steps
The Starliner spacecraft, while unable to complete its crewed mission, is set to depart the ISS and perform a controlled autonomous re-entry and landing in early September 2024, marking the next phase in the spacecraft’s testing and development.
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