Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams set for first spacewalk in 12 years

As part of the upcoming SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is set to make her first spacewalk in 12 years.

Williams, renowned for her space exploration achievements and pioneering missions, will perform several critical tasks outside the ISS during this spacewalk.

This will showcase her extensive experience and expertise in extravehicular operations, which have always been essential for maintaining and enhancing the operation of space stations.

On Jan 16, astronauts Sunita Williams and Nick Hague will conduct a spacewalk to address a major issue with the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope: a "light leak" that is limiting its ability to gather scientific data.

NICER is the first instrument designed to study high-energy X-ray phenomena, such as black holes and neutron stars.

This will be the first on-orbit repair of a NASA observatory since the Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission in 2009.

In addition to the NICER repair, Williams and Hague will assist with preparations for planned upgrades to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS).

The AMS, a module on the ISS, is used to study particles like cosmic rays, dark matter, and antimatter.

The astronauts' work on the AMS will significantly impact ongoing cosmological research.

The duo will inspect tools and access areas to ensure the ISS remains fully functional and safe for its crew.

Their duties also include assessing the station’s readiness for future maintenance missions and determining any other upgrades needed to support extended human stays in space.

A second spacewalk is scheduled for Jan 23 to continue these critical modifications.

Williams' return to Earth has been postponed to March 2025 due to safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner, which was originally supposed to bring her back.

She arrived at the ISS in June 2024 and was initially expected to return in February 2025.

However, due to ongoing issues with the Boeing Starliner, NASA has decided to use a SpaceX Crew Dragon for her safe return.

The Starliner has faced technical difficulties and is not yet certified to carry humans, prompting NASA to devise an alternative plan for Williams' return.