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Sunita Williams Struggles to Walk After Seven Months in Space

Live Newztalkies.com brings you the latest updates on space exploration, and today we focus on NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over seven months. Williams, 59, and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore have faced an unexpected delay in their return after the Boeing Starliner capsule malfunctioned, leaving them waiting for an alternative ride home.


Adapting to Life in Zero Gravity

Speaking to students at Needham High School, Sunita Williams shared the unique challenges of prolonged space travel. “I haven’t walked. I haven’t sat down. I haven’t laid down. You don’t have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are,” she explained. The astronaut admitted that the extended stay was a surprise, stating, “We knew that it would be probably a month or so, honestly. But the extended stay was just a little bit different.”

As she awaits her return, Williams is finding it difficult to readjust to the idea of walking after so many months in microgravity. The human body undergoes significant changes in space, including muscle atrophy and bone density loss, making re-adaptation to Earth’s gravity challenging.


Why Is Sunita Williams Still on the ISS?

Williams and Wilmore were supposed to return aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, but a critical malfunction forced the spacecraft to return to Earth without them. With no immediate solution from Boeing, NASA has now turned to SpaceX to bring the astronauts home.

During their extended stay, the two astronauts have marked several milestones aboard the ISS, including celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even casting their votes remotely in the 2024 US elections. Williams also conducted her first spacewalk since arriving at the station in January.


SpaceX Steps In After Political Pressure

The delay in bringing the astronauts home has sparked political criticism. Former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the situation. “They have been waiting for many months on the International Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe,” Trump said.

Elon Musk, acknowledging the urgency, called the situation “terrible” and confirmed that SpaceX would take responsibility for their return. Initially, NASA planned to use SpaceX’s Crew-9 capsule for their return, which was scheduled for a September launch. However, delays pushed the mission back, leading NASA to announce that the Crew-10 spacecraft—originally meant to relieve Crew-9—would now launch no earlier than March 2025.


What’s Next for Sunita Williams and Wilmore?

As they await their journey back to Earth, Williams and Wilmore continue their duties aboard the ISS, contributing to critical research and maintenance. The extended mission has tested their endurance, but NASA remains committed to ensuring their safe return.

Live Newztalkies.com will continue to provide the latest updates on this developing space mission, as SpaceX prepares to bring the astronauts back home. Stay tuned for more on space exploration and the future of human spaceflight.

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