Sunita Williams Takes Command of International Space Station for Second Time

Sunita Williams has taken command of the ISS for the second time.

Advertisement
Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 23 September 2024 17:02 IST
Highlights
  • Sunita Williams takes charge of ISS operations and research
  • Rescue mission extended until February 2025 due to technical issues
  • SpaceX Crew Dragon set for rescue mission to bring them home
Sunita Williams Takes Command of International Space Station for Second Time

Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko handed over the command of the space station to Sunita Williams

Photo Credit: NASA

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has officially assumed command of the International Space Station (ISS) during her extended mission aboard the orbiting facility. This marks her second command of the ISS, having previously led Expedition 33 in 2012. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been residing on the station since June 5, 2024, following their launch aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was its first crewed flight.

Mission Extension and Responsibilities

Initially, Williams and Wilmore's mission was planned for just eight days. However, technical issues with the Starliner resulted in their return being postponed until February 2025. Despite this unexpected delay, Williams expressed her excitement about being in space, saying, “This is my happy place. I love being up here in space.” The astronauts have adapted to their extended stay by participating in routine maintenance and conducting scientific experiments on the ISS.

The command of the station was transferred to Williams from Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, who is scheduled to return to Earth shortly. As the commander, Williams will oversee a variety of operations and research activities on the ISS. Her leadership comes at a critical time, as a rescue mission is being planned.

Upcoming Rescue Mission

NASA intends to deploy a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to facilitate the safe return of Williams and Wilmore to Earth following their extended mission. Sunita Williams has made significant contributions throughout her career as an astronaut, holding records for the most spacewalks by a woman and accumulating over 322 days in space across multiple missions. Her vast experience will be essential as she leads the current crew aboard the ISS.

Advertisement

Under Williams' command, the ISS will continue to function as a centre for international collaboration in space exploration and scientific research until her return early next year. The upcoming rescue mission underscores the ongoing dedication to human spaceflight and the complexities involved, further establishing Williams' legacy in space exploration.

 

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: NASA, Sunita Williams, ISS, SpaceX, Astronauts
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Redmi Note 15 Pro+, iQOO Z10 Specifications Tipped Ahead of Debut
  2. Asus Vivobook 14 Launched in India With 14-Inch Screen, Snapdragon X Chip
  3. OnePlus Could Unveil a Compact Flagship Tablet Alongside the OnePlus 15T
  4. Vodafone Idea (Vi) Gives Extra Benefits With These Prepaid Plans: Report
  5. Lenskart Will Use Snapdragon Chips in Upcoming Smart Glasses
  6. Oppo K13 Turbo, K13 Turbo Pro Specifications Teased Ahead of Launch Today
  7. Oppo K13 Turbo, K13 Turbo Pro With Inbuilt Fan, 7,000mAh Battery Launched
  8. Vivo Y50m 5G, Vivo Y50 5G With 6,000mAh Battery Launched: All Details
  9. Perplexity CEO Says Comet Browser Might Soon Takeover This Job
  10. Akai Soul Series Soundbars With Up to 160W Output Launched in India
  1. Google Chrome for iOS Gets Seamless Account Switching Between Personal and Work Profiles
  2. Pixel 10 Pro Design Officially Revealed Ahead of August 20 Launch; Google Store Offer Teased
  3. Algae-Grown Bioplastic Passes Mars Pressure Test, Boosting Hopes for Red Planet Habitats
  4. NASA Tests Modular Satellite Tech to Cut Launch Costs and Speed Missions
  5. NASA’s Twin TRACERS Satellites Will Monitor Space Weather to Shield Earth from Solar Storms
  6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Might Not Feature Upgraded Titanium Backplate Included With Galaxy Z Fold 7: Report
  7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 LTE Version Reportedly Surfaces on FCC, IMEI Certification Websites
  8. Asus Vivobook 14 Launched in India With Snapdragon X Processor, 14-Inch LCD Screen: Price, Specifications
  9. Meta Says It Won't Sign EU’s GPAI Code of Practice Due to ‘Legal Uncertainties’
  10. OnePlus Teases Launch of New Tablet in India on July 23; OnePlus Pad Lite Expected to Debut
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.