Sunita Williams in space: A look into the NASA astronaut's extended stay at her 'happy place'

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who is currently on an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore turned a year older today. The test pilots are stuck in space till February 2025 after their Boeing Starliner got riddled with technical issues and was deemed unsafe to fly them back to Earth.

Even though their eight-day mission turned into an eight-month one, Sunita was 'grateful' for the extra time she was getting in space. In the duo's first address after their Starliner returned without them, Sunita said, ¡°This is my happy place. I love being up here in space. It¡¯s just fun, you know?¡±

While Sunita remains stuck in space for the foreseeable future, keep reading to learn what a day in her life looks like and the things she misses about Earth.

Sunita William's life at ISS

Media are invited to hear from @NASA_Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams during an Earth to space call at 2:15pm ET, Friday, Sept. 13. The pair will participate in a news conference aboard the @Space_Station in low Earth orbit.

Media can RSVP: https://t.co/aXqgsfn5EG pic.twitter.com/t4qAbDvX5S

¡ª NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) September 9, 2024

'Suni' revealed most of her day was spent in participating in research and experiments. But now that they have a little more clarity regarding their return, she dedicates a major chunk of her time to focus on essential orbital maintenance tasks. She also meticulously cleans and inspects hatch seals which are important components for maintaining the station's air-tight environment.

She has also revealed she enjoys journaling saying, "One of my favourite activities here is writing weekly recaps and sending them back home." Adding, "I am currently on week 12 of my journal and I feel fortunate to share this insight."

Sunita William's space diet

Space botany and lunar construction techniques topped the @ISS_Research schedule on Tuesday helping researchers plan future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. More... https://t.co/hF6FKWZBdP pic.twitter.com/vI9ktEPibo

¡ª International Space Station (@Space_Station) August 20, 2024

Sunita is fond of Indian food and had earlier revealed she has taken samosas with her on her previous missions. While the gifted astronaut did not popular snack with her this time, there's another Indian delicacy that she is enjoying during her stay. Bringing a touch of Indian culture along with her, Sunita 'Suni' Williams gets to enjoy fish curry with her crewmates.

Because of the unexpected extension to their mission, which both Butch and Sunita were not prepared for, their supplies quickly ran out. Now they regularly receive food and other supplies through scheduled cargo shipments.

Sunita Williams reveals things she misses most

Welcome to our CTS Starliner 1 crew Dr Jeanette Epps!!!! pic.twitter.com/ksVTdGFQl7

¡ª Sunita Williams (@Astro_Suni) August 25, 2020

Talking about what she misses back home, she shared that she misses her family, friends and her two dogs and said, "I love taking my dogs for early morning walks, hearing the birds and the day starting. That¡¯s the kind of activity I miss.¡±

Birthday wishes for Sunita Williams

In a heartfelt gesture, Indian music company Saregama Music brought together a bunch of musicians and Bollywood celebrities to record videos of them singing a rendition of Mohammed Rafi's birthday song Bar Bar Din Ye Aaye. In the short videos, we can see Karan Johar, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Neeti Mohan and many more singers wishing the legendary astronaut on the occasion of her 59th birthday.

Check out the wholesome post below:

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For those who don't know, Sunita and Butch are set to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX's spacecraft. Both the astronauts are preparing for their return and familiarising themselves with the commercial crew vehicle.