• Source:JND
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NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been in space for over nine months, recently opened up about the toughest challenge of her prolonged stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Speaking at a news conference from orbit, Williams described the experience as a "rollercoaster" and highlighted the emotional toll it has taken on those awaiting her return. "It's been a rollercoaster for them probably a little bit more so than for us," she remarked. "The hardest part is having the folks on the ground have to not know exactly when we're coming back."

Williams' return to Earth is finally approaching, with her scheduled departure aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule set for March 19. However, this timeline depends on the successful arrival of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which is planned to launch between March 12 and 13. Once Crew-10 reaches the ISS, a week-long transition period will take place before Williams and her crewmates—fellow NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Nick Hague, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov—begin their journey home.

Days before boarding the SpaceX Dragon, Williams officially handed over command of the ISS to Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin. This change of leadership signifies an important operational transition for the station, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos. During the handover ceremony, Williams expressed deep gratitude to those who played a role in her mission, including mission control teams, trainers, family, and friends. Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the station’s smooth functioning throughout her tenure.

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Sunita Williams On Her Prolonged Space Stay

Williams’ extended stay in space was not part of the original plan. She and her crew were initially meant to return months earlier, but unexpected delays prolonged their mission. This period of uncertainty was particularly challenging, both for the astronauts and their loved ones on Earth. The prolonged mission tested the endurance and adaptability of the crew, who had to maintain the ISS’s operations while awaiting their return schedule to solidify.

Despite the challenges, Williams has remained resilient, embracing the experience as an opportunity for growth. "Being up here has been an incredible journey," she said. "The teamwork, the camaraderie, and the mission itself make every challenge worth it."

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