Sunita Williams: From First Mission To Starliner, A Brief Timeline

Published by: Kiran Singh
Image Source: nasa.gov

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams flew to space for the third time aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft but remains in space due to propulsion problems. All eyes are now on their return. Here's everything you need to know about Williams' space timeline and updates:

Image Source: nasa.gov

First Mission:

On December 9, 2006, Sunita Williams flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery on the STS-116 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Image Source: nasa.gov

Role in Space:

During her stay, she served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 14 and 15.

Image Source: nasa.gov

Spacewalks Record:

Williams performed four spacewalks, totaling more than 29 hours, setting a record for women in space at the time.

Image Source: NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Time in Space:

She spent over 195 days in space during her first mission, a record she held until 2015.

Image Source: NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Marathon in Space:

Williams ran the Boston Marathon on the ISS treadmill, covering 42.2 km (26.2 miles).

Indian Heritage:

She was the second American astronaut of Indian heritage to go into space, following Kalpana Chawla.

Image Source: nasa.gov

Return to Earth:

Williams and the crew of STS-117 landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on June 22, 2007.

Image Source: nasa.gov

Second Mission:

On July 15, 2012, she flew to the ISS again as part of the Soyuz TMA-05M crew.

Image Source: nasa.gov

More Spacewalks:

During her second mission, she completed three more spacewalks, bringing her total to over 50 hours.

Image Source: NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Triathlon in Space:

Williams completed a triathlon in orbit using a treadmill, stationary bicycle, and weightlifting machine.

Commercial Crew Program:

In 2015, Williams was selected to make the first test flights in NASA’s Commercial Crew program.

Image Source: nasa.gov

Starliner Test Flight:

She was chosen for the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, which launched on June 5, 2024.

Image Source: nasa.gov

Still Stuck in Space:

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched on the Starliner capsule on June 5 and were expected back by June 14. However, they are still in space due to propulsion system issues.

Image Source: nasa.gov

When will NASA astronauts return to Earth?

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore could return by the end of July, according to NASA's commercial crew program director.

Image Source: nasa.gov