Sunita Williams is space gardening as 10-day mission extends beyond 50 days
The Starliner encountered various issues with the spacecraft, specifically with the propulsion system, which had helium leaks.
Sunita Williams, an astronaut of Indian origin who headed to space on Boeing’s Starliner for a planned 10-day mission, has now been in space for 50 days because of the problem. Starliner had different issues with the spacecraft, specifically about the propulsion system, which had helium leaks. However, there have been some hitches in its operations. Nevertheless, NASA has assured Williams and her compatriot, Dr. Barry “Butch” Wilmore, that they are safe aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since June 6, they have been part of the International Space Station’s crew of Expedition 71, helping with maintenance and conducting research.
Sunita Williams, an astronaut of Indian origin who headed to space on Boeing’s Starliner for a planned 10-day mission, has now been in space for 50 days because of the problem. The Starliner encountered various issues with the spacecraft, specifically with the propulsion system, which had helium leaks. Despite these hitches in its operations, the mission’s focus, including space gardening as part of the 10-day mission objectives, continues to be a priority. Nevertheless, NASA has assured Williams and her compatriot, Dr. Barry “Butch” Wilmore, that they are safe aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since June 6, they have been part of the International Space Station’s crew of Expedition 71, helping with maintenance and conducting research.
NASA stated that Sunita Williams, who is already on her third space mission as an astronaut, has been focusing on fluid physics, including surface tension, and researching microgravity in matters that regard watering and taking care of plants in space. In the same way, this research, which may be considered as space gardening, is an essential point in recognizing the development phases of plants and their reactions in space. Such knowledge will be imperative in future missions to set up stations all over the solar system and other planets.
Challenges Faced During the Space Gardening as 10-Day Mission
Sunita Williams & Barry Wilmore also had ultrasound equipment for vein scans, which helped doctors on Earth monitor the process in real time. The astronauts took turns photographing each other’s necks, shoulders, and legs. Ms. Williams also imaged the veins of NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick. This is an important development as it seeks to give an understanding of how the human body is affected by microgravity.
While the International Space Station orbits the Earth, cutting-edge biology projects are being conducted that explore the effects of space travel on both the physical and psychological selves. Sunita Williams has been busy recently isolating samples to try to analyze microbes from the station’s water supply. Helpful data comes from a miniature space city—the ISS—that has been circling above the planet for 25 years. This genetic research will help to bring more detail to the methods of preventing the crews in future missions from getting sick and how to keep the interstellar spacecraft in proper functioning.
On Earth, Boeing engineers are examining replicas of thrusters to diagnose the issues encountered by the Starliner and to develop a safe plan for returning the spacecraft and its crew.
NASA updated everyone regarding the situation and stated, “Engineering teams with NASA and Boeing recently completed ground-hot fire testing of a Starliner reaction control system thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, USA. The test series involved firing the engine through similar in-flight conditions the spacecraft experienced during its approach to the space station, as well as various stress-case firings for what is expected during Starliner’s undocking and the deorbit burn that will position the spacecraft for a landing in the southwestern United States. Teams are analyzing the data from these tests.”
Engineers are anticipated to provide an update on these tests on Thursday, which may also include the expected return date for Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore.
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