📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her crewmate Barry Wilmore, made history on Thursday as they safely docked the Boeing Starliner with the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, at the age of 59, became the first woman to pilot and assess a new crewed spacecraft on its maiden mission, marking her third trip to the ISS. Upon their arrival, Williams celebrated by performing a little dance and embracing the seven other astronauts onboard.
The Expedition 71 crew welcomed Williams and Wilmore with the ringing of a bell, a traditional gesture on the ISS. Williams expressed her joy at the warm reception, referring to her crewmates as ‘another family’ and thanking them for the wonderful welcome. The astronauts will spend about a week in space, assisting with tests, conducting scientific experiments, and monitoring the Starliner spacecraft.
The journey to the ISS was not without its challenges, as docking was delayed for about an hour due to technical issues like minor helium leaks. Despite these setbacks, Williams and Wilmore successfully guided the Boeing spacecraft to the ISS, proving the capabilities of the Starliner in crewed missions. Williams, known for her dedication to space exploration, had the opportunity to name the spacecraft ‘Calypso’ after the iconic ship of Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
NASA’s Commercial Crew program aims to provide alternatives to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, with the Boeing Starliner emerging as a promising option alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Williams, who had some nerves before the lift-off, expressed her excitement about returning ‘home’ to the ISS. The successful mission of the Starliner will pave the way for routine space travel for astronauts, ensuring a reliable mode of transportation for future space missions.
The significance of Williams’ role in piloting the new crewed spacecraft underscores her contribution to space exploration and her pioneering spirit as a female astronaut. As part of the Expedition 71 crew, Williams and Wilmore will continue to make history with their journey aboard the ISS, inspiring future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.