Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Break Record with 5.5-Hour Spacewalk
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore set a new record for spacewalk duration on Thursday as they ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) for a 5.5-hour spacewalk. Williams, a veteran of spacewalks with this being her ninth, and Wilmore, on his fifth, successfully completed their tasks during this historic outing.
Record-breaking Spacewalk
During the spacewalk, Sunita Williams logged a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes of spacewalk time, placing her fourth on NASA’s all-time list for total spacewalk duration. This achievement adds to her already impressive list of spacewalk accomplishments.
The astronauts’ primary objectives for this spacewalk included removing a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the station’s truss and collecting samples of surface material for analysis. These tasks were completed successfully, showcasing the expertise and skill of Williams and Wilmore.
In a tweet, the ISS shared the milestone reached by Sunita Williams, surpassing former astronaut Peggy Whitson’s total spacewalking time of 60 hours and 21 minutes. Williams continued her work outside the space station, demonstrating her dedication to the mission.
Return to Earth Delay
While the spacewalk was a success, the return journey for Williams and Wilmore has faced delays. Stranded at the ISS for months, the astronauts were initially scheduled to return in February with the help of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. However, technical issues and preparations for a new spacecraft have caused further postponements.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, called out the Biden administration for leaving the astronauts stranded in space for an extended period. President Donald Trump also expressed his concern, urging SpaceX to bring the astronauts back home promptly.
The return mission, now scheduled for the end of March 2025, will mark the completion of nearly 300 days in space for Williams and Wilmore. Despite the delays, preparations are underway to ensure a safe journey back to Earth for the dedicated astronauts.