• Source:JND
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At the India–USA Space Collaboration event in Washington, DC, astronaut Sunita Williams reflected on her nine months in orbit as Commander of Expedition 72 to the International Space Station (ISS). Joined virtually by Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Williams described the mission as both a “super difficult challenge” and a remarkable journey of discovery, resilience, and teamwork.

Sunita Williams' mission was initially expected to be shorter. Technical and operational demands extended the mission to nine months, testing the crew’s endurance. Williams admitted that the team initially thought they would be “up there for just a little time” but quickly adapted to the reality of a prolonged stay.

She emphasised that the extended mission highlighted the importance of team support and communication, calling it one of the most valuable lessons. “One of the most important things we have learnt is that one needs to listen to each other and that teamwork is equally important,” she said.

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Challenges And Research In Orbit

During the mission, Williams and her international crew carried out over 1,000 hours of scientific research. Their studies spanned human health, materials science, biology, and fire safety, fields critical to advancing both space exploration and life on Earth.

Among their achievements was the enhancement of metal 3D printing capabilities in microgravity, a breakthrough that could revolutionize spacecraft repair and construction. The crew also worked on preparing the world’s first wooden satellite for deployment, marking another step forward in sustainable space technology.

Shubhanshu Shukla Joins In

Expedition 72 was an international mission, with Williams serving as Commander alongside Russian cosmonauts Aleksandr Gorbunov, Aleksey Ovchinin, and Ivan Vagner. 

At the Washington event, Shubhanshu Shukla joined Williams and US astronauts Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore for a panel discussion. Their conversations focused on the future of India–US collaboration in space, with Williams’ insights providing a firsthand account of the realities and rewards of long-duration missions.

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Williams stressed that spaceflight is not only about science and exploration but also about human growth. “We have been super fortunate in our time to see different things… but what stays with us most is how much teamwork and communication matter,” she said.