Sunita Williams and her partner Butch Wilmore went to the International Space Station (ISS) for a mission of the American space agency NASA. On June 5, he flew to space. He was to return to earth after 8 days i.e. on 13th June. But his spacecraft malfunctioned. After which both are stranded in ISS.
The return to Earth of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her partner Butch Wilmore has been postponed to February 2025. Both are still in space even after more than 2 months have passed. By February 2025, he will have spent about 250 days in space.
Sunita Williams and her partner Butch Wilmore went to the International Space Station (ISS) for a mission of the American space agency NASA. On June 5, he flew to space. He was to return to earth after 8 days i.e. on 13th June. But his spacecraft malfunctioned. After which both are stranded in ISS. Now they will have to wait for a few more months to return to earth. Meanwhile, concerns have increased regarding the food and oxygen supply of Sunita Williams and Bush Wilmore in space.
However, NASA has said that there is no danger to the two astronauts in space right now. There is sufficient stock of food in the International Space Station (ISS). NASA said in a statement, “The International Space Station has everything that astronauts may need. There is adequate provision of food, water, clothes and oxygen.”
America’s Space Agency also said that regular resupply missions are also conducted in the ISS, so that the astronauts living there do not face any problem. Food, water, fuel and other items are regularly supplied from cargo spacecraft.
Two cargo spacecraft supplied to ISS
NASA said that recently two cargo spacecraft had reached the ISS carrying essential items for astronauts.One of these cargoes contained 8200 pounds of goods, including food, fuel and other supplies. Whereas the second cargo had arrived with 3 tons of goods.
Astronauts can also sleep on the walls in ISS
Actually, an astronaut needs unique things to stay in space for a long time. Due to zero gravity in ISS, astronauts can sleep anywhere on the floor, ceiling or walls. They use sleeping stations to sleep. Sleeping bags are installed on the floor, ceiling and walls, to which the pillow is attached. There are also phone booths there. There are charging points also. Astronauts can also make video calls from the ISS. You can send an audio call or email to NASA
Astronauts also do gym in ISS
There is also a gym on the ISS. It is called Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). Astronauts can work out here. But while working out, a vacuum cylinder has to be used so that the weight is simulated. Astronauts can squat, deadlift and bench press in the ISS. This helps maintain the muscle mass and bone density of astronauts.
Sunita Williams can grow vegetables in space
Sunita Williams went on a NASA mission on June 5, 2024 in a spacecraft named Boeing Starliner. This is a joint ‘Crew Flight Test Mission’ of American aircraft company Boeing and NASA. Sunita was the pilot of the spacecraft. While Butch Wilmore was the commander of this mission.
What went wrong with the spacecraft?
Sunita Williams’ spacecraft was facing some problems even before its launch. Due to which the launching had to be stopped several times. Even before launch on June 5, there was a malfunction in a valve controlling the flow of oxidizer in the spacecraft. Oxidizers are chemicals that are necessary to burn rocket fuel. Because only when the fuel burns with the help of oxidizer, the rockets are able to change their path. At last the launching took place. But when both of them had to return to Earth, helium started leaking from the spacecraft.
Meaning of helium leaking?
NASA had said that there is a small helium leak in the thruster of the spacecraft’s service module. There are many thrusters in a spacecraft. With their help the spacecraft changes its path and speed. Due to the presence of helium gas, pressure is created on the rocket. NASA said that within 25 days of launch, there were 5 helium leaks in the spacecraft capsule. 5 thrusters had stopped working. According to the report, the crew present in space and the mission manager sitting in Houston, America are not able to fix it.
What steps has NASA taken so far for the return of astronauts?
The US Space Agency and Boeing have conducted computer model simulations in an attempt to bring Wilmore and Sunita Williams back to Earth. 1 lakh computer simulations have looked at what would be the best opportunity and way for the spacecraft to undock from the space station, enter the Earth’s atmosphere and then land on the ground.
Apart from this, NASA has done many more tests. Like all 27 thrusters have been tested. It has also been checked how all the thrusters will work while undocking from the space station (i.e. while the spacecraft is taking off from there), while free flying i.e. while coming towards the Earth and while landing on the Earth. However, the software has also been updated.
What other options could there be for the comeback of Sunita Williams and Butch Bilmore?
NASA is also working on other options to return Sunita and Wilmore with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. If the Starliner is really not in a position to bring Sunita back, then the Dragon spacecraft of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX can also be used. A SpaceX aircraft is going to be launched at the space station in September. In this, instead of 4, only 2 astronauts will be sent to the space station. The vacant seats will be for Sunita and Wilmore. Help can also be taken from Russia for their return.
FAQs: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Extended Stay on the ISS
FAQs: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Extended Stay on the ISS
1. Why are Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore still in space?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are still in space due to a malfunction in their spacecraft, which occurred after their mission to the ISS. Their return has been postponed to February 2025 while NASA works on ensuring a safe return to Earth.
2. What was the original duration of their mission?
The original mission was planned for 8 days. They were scheduled to return to Earth on June 13, 2024, but due to the spacecraft’s issues, their stay has been extended by several months.
3. Is there enough food and oxygen on the ISS for them?
Yes, NASA has confirmed that there is sufficient food, water, clothing, and oxygen on the ISS. Regular resupply missions ensure that the astronauts have everything they need to sustain themselves.
4. How does NASA ensure the supply of essentials on the ISS?
NASA conducts regular resupply missions using cargo spacecraft that deliver food, water, fuel, and other essentials. Recently, two cargo spacecraft delivered significant quantities of supplies to the ISS.
5. What malfunction occurred with the spacecraft?
The spacecraft, Boeing Starliner, experienced a leak in its helium thruster system, which is crucial for maneuvering the spacecraft. Multiple helium leaks have occurred, causing several thrusters to fail.
6. How is NASA planning to bring them back to Earth?
NASA is conducting extensive simulations and tests to determine the safest way to bring them back to Earth using the Starliner spacecraft. They are also considering alternative options, such as using SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft or collaborating with Russia.
7. Can Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore survive in space for an extended period?
Yes, astronauts are trained to live in space for long periods. The ISS is equipped with facilities like sleeping stations, gyms, communication devices, and adequate provisions for daily needs.
8. What other options does NASA have for their safe return?
Apart from using the Starliner, NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which is set to launch with fewer astronauts, leaving space for Williams and Wilmore. There is also a possibility of seeking assistance from Russia.
9. What activities do astronauts perform on the ISS to maintain their health?
Astronauts use a specialized gym on the ISS called the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) to perform exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, which help maintain muscle mass and bone density.
10. Can Sunita Williams grow food on the ISS?
Yes, Sunita Williams and other astronauts have the capability to grow vegetables in space using special techniques and equipment designed for microgravity environments.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, addressing potential concerns and highlighting the plans and options available for the safe return of the astronauts.
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