Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams’ journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) mission has taken an unexpected turn. Initially planned as a 10-day mission, her stay has been extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Mission Details:
- Launched in June 2024 with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore.
- First crew for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
- The mission (half-goal) was to test the Starliner’s capabilities for future human spaceflights.
- Planned duration – 10 days.
🚨 Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams flies to space for 3rd time. pic.twitter.com/Ph2PMIkz5t
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) June 6, 2024
Extension and Return
- Due to Starliner issues, the mission was extended till February 2025.
- Total spaceflight duration – approximately 240 days.
- Astronauts will return in the SpaceX Dragon capsule, not Starliner.
Who are Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore?
Sunita Williams, is an Indian-origin American astronaut, one of the first women to fly aboard Starliner’s maiden mission, and has logged 322 days in space over three missions.
Butch Wilmore is an eight-time space-flight veteran astronaut, and retired US Navy Captain, having completed two spaceflights for a cumulative total of 178 days in space.
A viral video claiming Sunita Williams’ return after 127 days is FALSE. The video is from a previous Sunita Williams’ ISS Mission.
- Sunita Williams remains on the ISS, actively contributing to valuable research.
- SpaceX Dragon will return her to Earth in February 2025.
- Be wary of misinformation; rely on credible sources for updates.
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