As we bid adieu to 2024, the Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, alongside along with her colleagues on the International Space Station (ISS), may have a unprecedented alternative to welcome the New Year – 16 instances.
While orbiting Earth at roughly 400 kilometres above, the Expedition 72 crew will observe 16 distinct sunrises and sunsets as they transition into 2025.
Since June 2024, Williams has been commanding the ISS, following what was initially scheduled as an eight-day journey on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Due to technical points, her mission has been considerably stretched, along with her return now scheduled for March 2025. This prolonged period permits her to expertise a number of New Year celebrations, because the ISS completes an orbit roughly each 90 minutes.
The crew’s New Year festivities will embody particular meals crafted from Earth-supplied contemporary substances. They will keep connections with their family members by way of video communications to help their emotional well being throughout this prolonged mission.
Williams has beforehand shared her enthusiasm about such distinctive experiences, referring to house as her “pleased place.”
The crew not too long ago shared their Christmas greetings, demonstrating their festive spirit while stationed away from Earth.
Aboard the ISS, the astronauts have embraced vacation customs, together with decorations and particular meal preparations, while persevering with their important scientific research.
As they anticipate welcoming 2025 a number of instances, Williams and her fellow crew members exemplify the excellent accomplishments in human house exploration.