NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has officially assumed command of the International Space Station (ISS) during her extended mission on the orbiting facility. This is her second command of the ISS, having previously led Expedition 33 in 2012. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been on the station since June 5, 2024, following their launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was her the first spacecraft. manned flight.
Expanding mission and responsibilities
Initially, Williams and Wilmore’s mission was planned for only eight days. However, technical problems with the Starliner resulted in their return being delayed until February 2025. Despite this unexpected delay, Williams expressed her excitement about being in space, saying, “This is my happy place. I love being out here in space.” The astronauts adapted to their extended stay by participating in routine maintenance and conducting scientific experiments on the ISS.
Command of the station was handed over to Williams from Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, who is due to return to Earth soon. As commander, Williams will oversee various operations and research activities on the ISS. Her leadership comes at a critical time, as a rescue mission is being planned.
Upcoming rescue mission
NASA intends to deploy the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to allow Williams and Wilmore to return safely to Earth after their extended mission. Sunita Williams made significant contributions during her career as an astronaut, holding the records for the most spacewalks by a woman and amassing more than 322 days in space across multiple missions. Her vast experience will be crucial as she leads the current crew on the ISS.
Under Williams’ command, the ISS will continue to function as a center for international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research until its return early next year. The upcoming rescue mission underscores the continued commitment to human spaceflight and the complexities involved, further cementing Williams’ legacy in space exploration.
