'Growing Plants': NASA on What is Sunita Williams Doing in Space

Washington: Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams, who will remain in space till early next year, is ‘growing plants’ at the International Space Station (ISS). Williams and the other astronauts, who were to return within eight days, are now stuck in space till February, 2025.

What is Sunita Williams Doing in Space?

On questions surrounding the work of Sunita Williams while she remain stranded at the International Space Station (ISS), NASA in a statement, has said that her to-do list includes a lot of work - from scientific experiments to growing plants.

NASA's statement on what is Sunita Williams doing in space reads, “Providing adequate water and nutrition to plants grown in space is critical as missions expand in low Earth orbit and beyond to the Moon and eventually Mars.”

Constant To-Do List Includes Fixing Toilets

A former NASA astronaut Terry Virts, while speaking to a leading media outlet said that the astronauts in space have a constant to-do list which also includes fixing of toilets.

Virts said, “There's a constant to-do list. Literally every day of your life on the space station, or almost every day, there will be some kind of maintenance. Fix the toilet or change out a fan or light bulb.”

Does Sunita Williams Have Enough Food and Oxygen in Space?

NASA has responded to the question of whether there is enough food and oxygen for Sunita Williams at the ISS after their eight-day mission turned into an eight-month long mission.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in a statement has said, “The space station is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing and oxygen.”

NASA has also confirmed that regular resupply missions will ensure that the basic demands and requirements of the astronauts are met.

When will Sunita Williams Return to Earth and How?

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will come back in a SpaceX spacecraft in February. 

Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in a week or two and attempt to return on autopilot.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon will be launched into space in September this year and is expected to return in February, 2025.

The stranded astronauts at ISS including Sunita Williams are expected to return to earth in the SpaceX aircraft which means that they have to spend six more months there.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson said the decision to send the Boeing capsule back to Earth empty "is a result of a commitment to safety”. 

Boeing had insisted Starliner was safe based on recent tests of thrusters both in space and on the ground.

(Inputs from AP)