Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams has assumed command of the International Space Station (ISS) for the second time. Previously the ISS commander during Expedition 33 in 2012, Williams’ current leadership marks a significant moment in her illustrious career. She and astronaut Butch Wilmore arrived at the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on its first crewed flight, initially slated for an eight-day mission. Due to technical problems with the Starliner, their stay has extended until February 2025. Despite the delay, Williams expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is my happy place. I love being up here in space.”
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko handed over command to Williams as he prepares to return to Earth with NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson and cosmonaut Nikolai Chub. Under Williams’ leadership, she will oversee vital operations and research activities on the ISS, crucial as NASA plans a rescue mission for her and Wilmore. NASA intends to deploy a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for the retrieval early next year.
A highly respected figure in space exploration, Williams holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman and has amassed over 322 days in space through various missions. Her vast experience is expected to be instrumental during this extended mission period.
Original Story https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/sunita-williams-takes-command-of-iss-as-nasa-prepares-rescue-mission-124092300431_1.html
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