New York, July 22: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, part of Boeing’s Crew Flight Test, took a rare day off aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The duo, who arrived on the ISS via the Boeing Starliner on June 5, spent their day inside the Starliner spacecraft, docked at the Harmony module’s forward port. This day of relaxation occurred in the midst of a mission that has encountered several delays and technical challenges.

Originally scheduled for a 10-day mission, Williams and Wilmore’s return has been delayed due to technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Despite these setbacks, NASA has assured that the astronauts are safe and well-supplied for an extended stay. Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, NASA Astronaut Stuck in Space, Confident of Boeing Starliner Spacecraft's Safe Return to Earth (Watch Video).

How Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Spent Rare Holiday on ISS

During their day off, the astronauts engaged in light activities such as daily workouts, household duties, and public affairs tasks. They also made personal calls to family, engaged in recreational activities, and enjoyed the view of Earth from space. In the afternoon, they powered up the Starliner’s lights and displays to access tablet computers, which were recharged overnight.

The Starliner mission, which successfully docked with the ISS on June 6, is a significant milestone for Boeing and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It aims to test the spacecraft’s capabilities and gather critical data for future long-duration missions. The spacecraft features modern amenities, including wireless internet and tablet technology for crew interfaces. NASA Says Not in a Rush To Bring Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Home.

Sunita Williams, a seasoned astronaut, serves as the pilot for this mission, while Barry “Butch” Wilmore is the mission commander. Both astronauts have extensive experience in space, contributing significantly to the ISS’s research and maintenance activities. NASA and Boeing are working diligently to resolve the technical issues delaying their return. The Starliner can remain docked at the ISS for up to 45 days, providing ample time for engineers to troubleshoot and ensure a safe return.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2024 07:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).