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New Delhi: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams celebrated her 59th birthday aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on September 19 by engaging in crucial maintenance tasks and scientific studies.
The astronaut currently on her third spaceflight, spent her special day working diligently to ensure the smooth operation of the orbiting laboratory. Williams, along with fellow NASA astronaut Don Pettit, focused on maintaining the station’s life support systems, India Today reported.
The duo replaced filters in the waste and hygiene compartment, colloquially known as the space bathroom, located in the Tranquility module. This essential task helps maintain a clean and healthy living environment for the crew aboard the ISS. In addition to maintenance work, Williams participated in a conference with flight directors at Mission Control Center in Houston, alongside astronauts Barry Wilmore and Frank Rubio.
The team discussed ongoing mission objectives and upcoming tasks, highlighting the continuous collaboration between the space station crew and ground control. The birthday girl also assisted in organising cargo inside the Columbus laboratory module, a critical task for maximizing the efficient use of space and resources on the station. Meanwhile, her crewmates engaged in various other activities, including training for the upcoming departure of the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft and conducting advanced technology demonstrations.
Notably, Williams’s current mission, which began in June 2024, has been extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. She is now expected to return to Earth in February 2025, potentially breaking more records for cumulative time spent in space.
