How will a day be in space? Zero gravity in space implies life will not be like how it is on earth. Researchers say that astronauts face anxiety, motion sickness and disturbed sleep cycles even if they stay in space for a short period of time. The journey of the astronauts of NASA's boeing starliner in space has become a source of astonishment in the recent days after the successful arrival of them on earth.
Sunita Williams,born on September 19,1965 at Ohio in U.S, is an American astronaut who has mastered the complicated world of space and has become widely recognised as the perfect epitome of women power and its strength. The other astronaut in the mission was Butch Wilmore, who is an American astronaut of NASA who has been a part of several missions like Expedition 41 and STS-129.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore left earth in June 2024 for a mission to test the Boeing Starliner capsule. Due to unexpected circumstances related to the technical area, their trip for returning back to earth got postponed by 9 months. NASA's scientists have clarified the delay by pointing out the presence of 5 small helium holes on the capsule.
9 months is a long period! Isn't it? A foetus even fully develops inside a mother's womb by this time duration. The mental strength and will power of these astronauts paved the way for them to withstand the challenges they faced in space and amaze the world with things that were considered unimaginable.
The duration of the trip to space was just planned for 8 days, which means they were made available with limited food supplies and essentials but as the delay continued, they were supplied with pre- cooked meals on a regular basis. The Boeing Starliner capsule has covered 4576 orbits and 121 million miles since the beginning of the mission. The astronauts have utilized that time fruitfully by performing various experiments like technological demonstrations, scientific tests, arranging cargo and inspecting hardware etc.Sunita Williams also grew lettuce in space which was a part the plant habitat-07 experiment to study how different levels of water affect plant growth.
In 18 March 2025, both Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were brought back to earth in SpaceX's Dragon Spacecraft from the International Space Station.
The main takeaways from this experience of two great astronauts are that determination and perseverance are key values that everyone needs to catch hold off when hard times come while one pursues his/her passion, importance of having a positive outlook in personal as well as professional life and finally team work and mutual trust in fellow colleagues.
Sunita Williams has set an example for all the young aspiring girls and boys all over the world to dream big and work tirelessly till you achieve, the need to adapt in crisis to succeed, resilience and perseverance to fight all the odds. She has wiped out the traces of the inhumane gender inequality and stereotypes wherein girls were not even allowed to leave their village or town.
" Don't get bogged down by the notion of limits, they aren't any." - Sunita Williams