Sunita Williams, an astronaut stuck at the ISS since June 2024, stated that she is attempting to recall how to walk while she waits to return to Earth in the spring. Williams, a resident of Needham, shared her experiences living on the space station with Needham High School students on January 27.
"I have been up here long enough to be trying to remember what walking feels like," she added. I have not taken any walks. I have not taken a seat yet. I have not fallen asleep yet. You are not required to. You can simply close your eyes and float in this same spot.
Williams also admitted to the kids that she and fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore were "a little shocked" to find themselves alone in space for so long. "To be honest, we anticipated that it would take around a month. However, she noted that the prolonged stay was slightly different.
The 59-year-old and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space since their spacecraft had to be brought back home without them due to mechanical problems. According to NASA, the spaceship that will return Williams and Wilmore to Earth will not be prepared for launch until late March 2025, so they should return in the spring.
Despite the challenges, Williams remains enthusiastic about space travel. “It’s an incredible experience, but coming back home will be just as special,” she added.
Williams' return will mark another milestone in her illustrious career, further cementing her status as one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts.
