SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
Renowned Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is poised to carve her name in the annals of space exploration once again, as she prepares for her third journey to the International Space Station (ISS). At the age of 58, Williams is set to become one of the oldest astronauts to venture into space, reaffirming her status as a trailblazer in cosmic exploration.
Scheduled for liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center on May 7, 2024, at 8:04 am (IST), Williams will serve as the mission pilot aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. This marks her long-awaited return to space after several years, with her last visit to the ISS dating back to her earlier mission.
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Williams boasts an impressive record of 322 days spent in space, as per NASA's official figures. She previously held the record for the most extended spacewalk time by a female astronaut, further solidifying her legacy in space exploration.
Accompanying Williams on this historic journey is seasoned navy test pilot Barry Willmore, adding further expertise to the mission. Together, they will embark on a week-long expedition to the ISS, focused on testing the capabilities of the Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Expressing a blend of excitement and nervousness about the upcoming flight, Williams likened her arrival at the ISS to "going back home." Their mission entails conducting various experiments and tests during their stay aboard the ISS, contributing to ongoing research efforts in space exploration.
The Starliner spacecraft, dubbed 'Calypso' by Williams in homage to Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s iconic ship, embodies her reverence for ocean exploration and conservation. Designed to accommodate up to seven passengers or a combination of crew and cargo, Calypso signifies the fusion of space exploration and environmental stewardship.
