Sunita Williams to Break a Record No Astronaut Has Before—What Is It?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for the past nine months, is set to return to Earth next week. During this time, she faced several challenges, but her determination and courage remained steadfast. During her extended stay in space, Sunita Williams conducted several important scientific experiments. She spent over 900 hours on research, making a significant contribution to the field of space science.

Sunita Williams has set multiple records throughout her space missions. She has spent over 600 days in space across three missions and has performed spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 9 minutes. This is the longest spacewalk ever completed by a female astronaut. During her current mission, Sunita Williams also piloted the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, a project in which she played a key role in its development. This spacecraft was built for NASA at a cost of $4.2 billion.

While on the ISS, she contributed to various crucial tasks such as replacing equipment and systems, cleaning the space station, and sending waste back to Earth. She participated in over 150 scientific experiments, dedicating more than 900 hours to intensive research. Alongside Sunita Williams, fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore has also been on the ISS for several months. Both astronauts launched aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on June 5 last year, reaching the space station on June 6. Initially planned as an eight-day mission, their stay was later extended.

Upon her return, Sunita Williams will achieve another unique record—she will become the first astronaut to fly aboard four different space capsules: Space Shuttle, Soyuz, Boeing Starliner, and SpaceX Crew Dragon. This space mission by Sunita Williams marks a significant milestone in science and human exploration. Her safe return is eagerly awaited.