All you need to know about Sunita Williams’ Stay in Space and Return

Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 5, 2024. Their return was delayed after NASA ruled out using their Boeing Starliner capsule due to a technical issue. The mission was initially planned as a 10-day visit, but their prolonged stay came as a surprise to months after some problems cropped up with the spacecraft, including propellant leaks and propulsion system failures

When and How will Sunita Williams return?

NASA has finally put in place a plan to bring back Williams. Following the numerous delays, her flight back to Earth is now set for March 2025. SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission, planned to blast off on March 12 at 7:48 pm EDT, will most likely mark her return. She will be back with Wilmore and two other astronauts on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft by the end of March.

What challenges did Williams face on extended space stay?

Having spent more time in space than anticipated has raised health issues for Williams. The longer exposure to weightlessness and confined spaces causes physical and psychological stress on the astronauts. Contrary to speculation, Williams and Wilmore have gone on with their scientific experiments and upkeep on the ISS.Speaking about the mission’s unpredictability, Williams remarked, “The hardest part is having the folks on the ground not know exactly when we’re coming back. It’s been a rollercoaster for them—likely more so than us.

Can Astronauts cut hair in Space?

Former President of the US Donald Trump expressed his views regarding the astronauts’ extended stay in space, which generated controversy and criticism online. Referring to Sunita Williams, he described her as a ‘woman with wild hair‘ after an online buzz over a video clip of her floating in space. His comments were criticized, as social networking sites condemned them as insensitive and out of line.

A NASA spokesperson explained that the astronauts utilize special clippers with suction attachments to trim their hair so that clippings don’t float around in microgravity. “Any stray hairs not picked up by the vacuum will generally collect at one of the vent ports,” NASA spokesperson Lora Bleacher said, adding that astronauts clean the vents regularly. Astronauts also use ordinary shaving creams and razors, just like on Earth.

What was the hardest part of Sunita Williams’ 9-month space stay?

Williams and Wilmore’s unplanned mission extension has put their patience and flexibility to the test. In spite of the extended stay, they have stuck to their duties aboard the ISS, keeping their bodies and minds healthy through scientific experiments and continued communication with their families.

“The hardest part is having the folks on the ground not know exactly when we’re coming back,” she stated. “It’s been a rollercoaster for them—probably more so than for us.”

Now that a return plan is assured, hope builds for their eagerly awaited trip back to Earth.