NASA Astronaut Suni Williams Performs First Spacewalk After Seven-Month Delay
NASA astronaut Suni Williams stepped outside the International Space Station (ISS) for her first spacewalk in over seven months, marking a significant milestone during an unexpectedly extended mission. Originally planned for last summer, the spacewalk was postponed due to technical issues, including water leakage in an astronaut suit's cooling system. NASA has since resolved the problem, paving the way for this crucial outdoor activity.
On Thursday, as the ISS orbited 260 miles (420 kilometers) above Turkmenistan, Williams radioed, “I’m coming out,” signaling the beginning of her task. Accompanied by NASA colleague Nick Hague, she carried out overdue maintenance work on the station. This marked her eighth spacewalk, showcasing her expertise and commitment.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore initially arrived at the ISS in June for a one-week test flight aboard Boeing's new Starliner capsule. However, a technical malfunction forced NASA to send the capsule back to Earth without passengers, leaving the duo stranded in orbit. Their return was further delayed due to SpaceX’s replacement capsule launch being postponed.
The astronauts are now expected to remain aboard the ISS for approximately 10 months, with their return anticipated in late March or early April. Despite the extended stay, Williams embraced the challenge, proving once again the resilience and adaptability of NASA astronauts.
This spacewalk not only highlights the dedication of the astronauts but also serves as a testament to NASA's commitment to resolving technical challenges and ensuring mission success.