16 January 2025 – NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Nick Hague ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) today, marking Williams’ eighth spacewalk and her first in 12 years. This critical mission, designated US Spacewalk 91, showcased the astronauts’ expertise as they carried out essential repairs and maintenance tasks.
A Long-Awaited Spacewalk
The spacewalk marked a significant milestone for Williams, who last stepped outside a spacecraft over a decade ago. For Hague, it was his fourth spacewalk, adding to his growing list of accomplishments in space exploration.
The duo embarked on a six-and-a-half-hour operation to address key upgrades, including:
- Repairing equipment for the station’s orientation systems.
- Upgrading the NICER telescope, used for observing neutron stars.
- Replacing a reflector on the docking adapter.
- Preparing tools for future maintenance tasks.
As Williams exited the station, she enthusiastically radioed back to mission control, “I’m coming out,” signifying her return to the challenging but rewarding duties of spacewalking.
Challenges and Extended Stay on the ISS
Initially, Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore were scheduled to return to Earth in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, technical issues with the spacecraft extended their mission by several months.
NASA has now rescheduled their return for March or April 2025, with further delays caused by safety concerns involving SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission. Despite the challenges, Williams and the crew have adapted seamlessly to life aboard the ISS, continuing their critical contributions to the station’s operations.
Nicole McElroy, NASA’s Flight Director, commended their preparation, stating, “The crew has studied tasks thoroughly and is fully ready for the challenges ahead.”
Another Spacewalk Scheduled for January 23
Sunita Williams is set to perform another spacewalk next week alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore. The focus of this upcoming mission will include:
- Removing an antenna assembly.
- Collecting surface samples to study microorganisms on the ISS exterior.
- Preparing a spare elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
Each of these tasks is critical for maintaining and upgrading the station’s systems, ensuring its long-term functionality and safety.
A Legacy of Excellence
Sunita Williams’ dedication to space exploration continues to inspire. Her extensive experience, combined with the collaborative efforts of her fellow astronauts, demonstrates the resilience and ingenuity needed for humanity’s continued presence in space.
As NASA pushes forward with its ambitious goals, including returning humans to the Moon and eventually sending them to Mars, missions like these highlight the importance of teamwork, preparation, and adaptability.
FAQs about NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams’ Spacewalk
Q1: When did Sunita Williams conduct her latest spacewalk?
A: Sunita Williams performed her latest spacewalk on 16 January 2025, marking her first spacewalk in 12 years.
Q2: What was the purpose of this spacewalk?
A: The spacewalk was conducted to:
- Repair critical systems for the ISS orientation.
- Upgrade the NICER telescope used for observing neutron stars.
- Replace a reflector on a docking adapter.
- Prepare tools for future maintenance tasks.
Q3: How long was the spacewalk?
A: The spacewalk lasted approximately six and a half hours.
Q4: Why was Sunita Williams’ stay on the ISS extended?
A: Her stay was extended due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which delayed her return initially scheduled for June 2024. Additional delays arose from safety concerns with SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission.
Q5: When is her next spacewalk scheduled?
A: Sunita Williams’ next spacewalk is scheduled for 23 January 2025, alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore.
Q6: What tasks will the next spacewalk include?
A: The upcoming spacewalk will involve:
- Removing an antenna assembly.
- Collecting surface samples to study microorganisms on the ISS exterior.
- Preparing a spare elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
Q7: How many spacewalks has Sunita Williams performed?
A: Sunita Williams has completed eight spacewalks so far, including the recent one on 16 January 2025.
Q8: What challenges have been faced during the mission?
A: Challenges included:
- Extended stay aboard the ISS due to spacecraft issues.
- Adapting to delays and rescheduling while maintaining readiness for critical tasks.
Q9: Why is this mission significant?
A: This mission highlights Sunita Williams’ return to spacewalking duties after 12 years and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ISS for future explorations.
Q10: What is the Canadarm2 robotic arm?
A: The Canadarm2 is a robotic arm used on the ISS for various tasks, including assembling and maintaining the station, capturing cargo spacecraft, and assisting astronauts during spacewalks.
