NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, originally set for an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will address the public tonight at 11:45 pm IST in a live Earth-to-space call. This marks their first public appearance since their mission was unexpectedly extended due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, now set to return without its crew.
Their stay on the ISS, now extended until February 2025, offers a unique glimpse into long-duration space missions. Williams and Wilmore will share insights on their scientific research, daily life aboard the ISS, and the challenges they face during this extended period.
Health monitoring has been a priority, with both astronauts undergoing comprehensive eye examinations following reports of vision issues from long-duration space missions. These checks are part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to ensure astronaut well-being during extended stays in orbit.
The ISS crew has recently expanded with the arrival of NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Wagner, who will collaborate with Williams and Wilmore until spring 2025.
Tonight’s call offers an unprecedented opportunity for space enthusiasts to connect with the astronauts and gain valuable insights into life aboard the ISS.
