New space mission for Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams

Pic: Robert Markowitz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

NASA astronaut to pilot first crewed Boeing Starliner flight

Indian-born astronaut Sunita Williams is poised to make history once again as she prepares to launch on the first crewed mission of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Liftoff is scheduled for May 6th (May 7th IST) from Kennedy Space Center, marking Williams’ third trip to space and her first time piloting a mission.

The 58-year-old astronaut boasts an impressive 322 days spent in space, previously holding the record for the most spacewalk time by a woman. This week-long mission to the International Space Station serves a critical purpose: testing the Starliner’s capabilities before NASA certifies it for regular crew rotations.

Williams and her co-pilot, Butch Willmore, will spend a week meticulously evaluating the Starliner’s systems, paving the way for its official integration into NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This mission not only advances human spaceflight technology but also represents a significant personal achievement for Williams.

Born in the United States to Indian immigrants, she’ll become the first woman to pilot the maiden voyage of a new human-rated spacecraft. A seasoned astronaut with two previous spaceflights under her belt, Williams is known for her dedication, resilience, and cultural connection to India. She’s a marathon runner and a self-proclaimed samosa enthusiast, carrying a statuette of Lord Ganesha as her lucky charm – a testament to her heritage.

Butch Wilmore, her flight partner, is a seasoned navy test pilot with two spaceflight missions under his belt. Together, they’ll embark on their journey aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, ultimately parachuting back to Earth after their week-long stay on the International Space Station.

The Boeing Starliner, designed to accommodate seven passengers or a mix of crew and cargo, holds a special place in Williams’ heart. She was given the honour of naming the spacecraft, christening it “Calypso” after the famed ship of oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Kirti Devadiga