WASHINGTON, USA – NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, January 16, 2025, for her first spacewalk since arriving aboard the orbital laboratory seven months ago.
Joined by astronaut Nick Hague, Williams completed a six-hour maintenance mission, demonstrating resilience as she and her colleague Butch Wilmore await a delayed return to Earth.
A Delayed Homecoming
Williams and Wilmore arrived on the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for what was originally intended to be an eight-day mission.
However, technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, rendered the spacecraft unsafe for their return.
NASA now plans to bring the astronauts back to Earth aboard a SpaceX vehicle in late March or early April.
Thursday’s Spacewalk
During the spacewalk, Williams and Hague tackled several tasks crucial to the station’s operation and upcoming missions. These included:
- Repairing equipment governing the ISS’s orientation.
- Patching light filters on the NICER X-ray telescope.
- Replacing a reflector device on an international docking adapter.
- Inspecting tools and access points for future maintenance of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a particle physics experiment module mounted on the ISS.
The mission marked the eighth spacewalk of Williams’ career. NASA confirmed that all planned tasks were completed successfully.
Upcoming Spacewalk
Williams is scheduled for another spacewalk on January 23, this time with Wilmore. Their objectives include:
- Removing a radio frequency group antenna assembly, used for transmitting and receiving radio waves.
- Collecting surface samples for microorganism analysis.
- Preparing a backup elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm by positioning it for quick replacement if needed.
These activities are part of NASA’s ongoing effort to maintain the ISS’s functionality and readiness for future missions.
Awaiting Safe Return
The delays surrounding Boeing’s Starliner have placed Williams and Wilmore in an extended stay aboard the ISS.
Despite the challenges, both astronauts have continued to perform critical duties, ensuring the station remains operational and prepared for the future.
NASA plans to use a SpaceX spacecraft, a rival to Boeing’s Starliner, to bring the astronauts home safely.
This decision underscores the agency’s commitment to prioritising safety amid technical setbacks.
Experienced Astronauts
Williams, a veteran of multiple spaceflights and one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts, has conducted numerous spacewalks over her career.
Her expertise has been pivotal in navigating the challenges posed by the unexpected extension of her ISS mission.
As NASA works to resolve Starliner’s technical issues, the agency remains focused on maintaining the safety and productivity of its astronauts, ensuring that their eventual return is as seamless as possible.
