Astronaut Sunita Williams, a veteran of two space missions and Massachusetts native, has a new return date after being stuck in space due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The initial return date was set for mid-June 2024, but it was later delayed twice.
Williams is part of a crew on board the International Space Station (ISS), which has been experiencing problems since June 2024. The issues included helium leaks in the propulsion system and the failure of five thrusters. Four of the thrusters were restored, while one remains disabled for the rest of the mission.
Despite the delay, NASA assures that the two-month extension will not affect Williams’ physical health negatively. Dr. Simeon Barber from the Open University stated that the space station is where astronauts love to be and that they are already disappointed about missing Christmas with their loved ones.
Williams has a connection to Cape Cod, particularly Falmouth, where her sister lives and works at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. During her time in space, she ran the Falmouth Road Race twice on a treadmill aboard the ISS.
The new return date for Williams and her crewmates is set for March 12, 2025.
Source: https://eu.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2025/02/18/mass-astronaut-sunita-williams-nasa-space-iss-falmouth-boeing-starliner/78955016007