Key Takeaways:
- Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams shared a stunning space selfie during her 9th spacewalk.
- The photo, taken 423 km above Earth, has been called “the ultimate selfie” by NASA.
- Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are still on the ISS due to technical delays with their return mission.
- She now holds the record for the most spacewalking time by a female astronaut (62 hours, 6 minutes).
A Record-Breaking Moment in Space
Sunita Williams, a veteran astronaut with Indian roots, has once again made history. While performing a crucial spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), she snapped what NASA has called “the ultimate selfie.” The image, taken 423 km above Earth, captures her reflection in her helmet visor, with the ISS, the vastness of space, and the Pacific Ocean in the background.
This was Williams’ 9th spacewalk, and during this mission, she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore removed old hardware from the ISS and collected material samples to study potential microorganisms in space. These samples will help scientists understand how microbes survive in extreme conditions beyond Earth.
Unforeseen Delays: Stranded in Space?
Williams and Wilmore were originally set to return in June 2024 after an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, technical failures, including thruster malfunctions and leaks, have left them stranded on the ISS for far longer than expected. NASA now plans to bring them back to Earth via a SpaceX spacecraft in March 2025.
Despite the delays, Williams continues to break records. She now holds the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a female astronaut (62 hours and 6 minutes), surpassing Peggy Whitson’s previous record. She also ranks fourth among all astronauts for total spacewalk time.
Why This Spacewalk Matters
- Critical Repairs: Removed nonfunctioning hardware from ISS.
- Microbial Study: Collected samples from the station’s vents and surfaces to study potential microorganisms in space.
- Historic Achievement: Williams’ spacewalk sets a new female astronaut record.
Sunita Williams’ journey is an inspiring story of perseverance, exploration, and scientific discovery. While she and Wilmore face unexpected challenges, their mission provides vital insights that will shape the future of space travel.
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