- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is gearing up for her historic ninth spacewalk on January 30, an event that could cement her legacy as the most experienced female spacewalker ever. Tthis mission is part of an International Space Station (ISS) repair operation and is expected to last approximately 6.5 hours.
With the successful completion of this spacewalk, Sunita Williams will surpass Peggy Whitson's long-standing record of cumulative spacewalking hours by a female astronaut. Whitson, a retired NASA astronaut and biochemist currently affiliated with Axiom Space, holds the record of 60 hours and 21 minutes over 10 EVAs (extravehicular activities).
Her previous spacewalks have been instrumental in maintaining and upgrading the ISS, conducting scientific research, and contributing to the ongoing study of life in space.
Sunita Williams Ninth Spacewalk
Sunita Williams’s ninth spacewalk carries crucial objectives. One of the primary tasks involves the removal of a Radio Frequency Group Antenna Assembly. This operation is vital for maintaining and upgrading the ISS’s communication systems. The antenna plays a key role in ensuring uninterrupted communication between the ISS and mission control centres on Earth. By replacing it, the station will achieve better efficiency and reliability in its communication systems.
Additionally, Williams will collect material samples for microbial analysis. These samples are essential for ongoing scientific studies in space. Understanding how microbial life interacts with the space environment is critical for the long-term sustainability of human missions to Mars and beyond. These studies help provide insights into how humans can better manage and protect themselves from potential biological threats encountered in space.
Sunita Williams’ Earth Return
Today, as she takes on her ninth spacewalk, the world watches with excitement and appreciation for her achievements. Williams's commitment to advancing space exploration, her leadership, and her determination to push boundaries will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the annals of space history.
Sunita Williams' return to Earth has been postponed until at least late March 2025 due to safety concerns surrounding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The delays are a result of ongoing safety assessments and necessary modifications to ensure the spacecraft meets the required standards for human spaceflight.