In a historic moment for space exploration, the Boeing Starliner, carrying Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday. This mission marks the first time a woman has piloted and tested a new crewed spacecraft on its maiden voyage.
The 59-year-old Sunita Williams, a veteran astronaut, is now on her third trip to the ISS. Previously, she has brought an idol of Lord Ganesh and the Bhagavad Gita into space. Upon arrival, she celebrated with a small dance and embraced the seven astronauts already aboard the ISS, a gesture accompanied by the traditional ringing of a bell to welcome new arrivals.
Hugs all around! The Expedition 71 crew greets Butch Wilmore and @Astro_Suni aboard @Space_Station after #Starliner docked at 1:34 p.m. ET on June 6. pic.twitter.com/wQZAYy2LGH
— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) June 6, 2024
“That’s the way to get things going,” Sunita Williams remarked about her “dance party,” expressing gratitude for the warm reception from her crewmates, whom she referred to as “another family.”
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are the pioneering crew for the Starliner, successfully docking the spacecraft approximately 26 hours after launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The mission faced a slight delay of about an hour due to technical issues, including minor helium leaks. Despite these challenges, the astronauts expertly monitored Starliner as it autonomously performed maneuvers to approach the ISS.
During the journey, the crew conducted various tests, including the first manual flight of Starliner in space. They are scheduled to spend about a week on the ISS, assisting with tests and conducting scientific experiments. Unlike traditional splashdowns in the sea, their return is planned to be a landing on land.
Listen to the @Space_Station crew’s remarks welcoming #Starliner Crew Flight Test commander Butch Wilmore and pilot @Astro_Suni to ISS after entering today at 3:45 p.m. ET. pic.twitter.com/2TGVNQW89r
— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) June 6, 2024
NASA’s goal with the Starliner is to provide an alternative to the SpaceX Crew Dragon as part of its commercial crew program, and this mission represents a significant step toward that objective.
Before the lift-off, Sunita Williams admitted to feeling a bit nervous but had no reservations about flying in a new spacecraft. “When I reach the International Space Station, it will be like going back home,” she said.
Sunita Williams played a crucial role in designing the SUV-sized Starliner, which can accommodate seven crew members. She was also given the honor of naming the spacecraft “Calypso,” inspired by the ship used by French oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques-Yves Cousteau during her student days.
This mission underscores the ongoing advancements in space travel and the pivotal role of experienced astronauts like Sunita Williams in paving the way for future explorations.
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