Sunita Williams to stay in ISS until February 2025

It is six months longer than initially planned

The duo were originally scheduled to return on a Boeing Starliner

NASA has announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will extend their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025, six months longer than initially planned. The duo, who were originally scheduled to return on a Boeing Starliner, will now depart aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The extended stay has sparked concerns about the astronauts’ survival, particularly regarding food and oxygen supplies. However, NASA has reassured the public that the ISS is well-prepared for the additional time. “The space station is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen,” the agency confirmed.

Also Read: When will Sunita Williams return? ISRO’s DV Sharma explains

NASA emphasized that regular resupply missions will continue to deliver essential items to the ISS. Recently, two cargo spacecraft arrived at the station, carrying a combined load of over 11,000 pounds of food, fuel, and supplies.

Life on the ISS during an extended mission involves unique adaptations. Astronauts can sleep in any orientation thanks to zero gravity, using sleeping stations with bags and pillows attached to walls or ceilings. Communication with Earth remains seamless, with options for video calls, audio calls, and emails.

To maintain their health, astronauts use the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), a gym equipped with vacuum cylinders to simulate weights, allowing them to perform exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to preserve muscle and bone density during their prolonged stay in space.