NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Describes ISS As ‘Happy Place’ Despite Being Stuck in Space for Months

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who went on an eight-day mission in space in June, is stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical difficulties, but despite this she is happy. Astronaut Butch Wilmore, who went with Williams in this mission of the American space agency NASA, is also present on the ISS. Their mission has been extended for eight months.

The Starliner spacecraft carrying these two astronauts returned to Earth last week without Williams and Wilmore. These two astronauts will return to Earth in February next year. SpaceX He can return on the Crew-9 flight of ISS. Williams shared his thoughts on the delay in returning to Earth in a video press conference. He described the ISS as a ‘happy place’. Williams said that due to his previous experience, adjustment to life in space is not difficult. Regarding this, Wilmore said that there was no agreement on his return on Starliner. His stay has been extended due to some technical problems not being resolved. Wilmore said that in view of the safety concerns with Starliner, his current situation is for the better.

Williams admitted that there is some tension due to her extended stay on the ISS but she is focusing on the mission. Both these astronauts expressed their desire to cast their vote from space in the upcoming US presidential election. In this election, there is a contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

The Starliner spacecraft was facing difficulties in reaching the ISS. Helium leak from the spacecraft was also a problem. Due to this, NASA and Boeing decided to bring it to Earth without astronauts. Last month, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) had said that these challenges faced by NASA would be important lessons for the country’s Gaganyaan mission. ISRO chief S Somanath had said that this situation is an important lesson for the Gaganyaan mission. The first test flight of this human-rated rocket is likely to take place at the end of this year. Somanath had said that understanding the challenges faced by NASA will help ISRO in preparing for its mission.