Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore return safely after nine months in space
Washington, D.C.: Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth after a mission that was originally planned for eight days but stretched to nine months due to technical issues. The two former Navy pilots, who flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, landed safely in SpaceX’s Dragon capsule off the Florida coast early this morning.
The spacecraft initiated its deorbit burn at 2:41 AM IST, with splashdown occurring 44 minutes later at 3:27 AM. Williams and Wilmore traveled alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov during the 17-hour return journey.
Mission extended due to starliner malfunction
Initially intended as the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner, the mission encountered setbacks when the capsule suffered propulsion issues, rendering it unfit for a return journey. The uncrewed Starliner returned to Earth in September 2024, leaving Williams and Wilmore stranded on the ISS.
NASA reassigned them to SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, which launched in September with only two astronauts instead of the usual four to accommodate the stranded pair. After a series of delays, the replacement crew aboard Crew-10 arrived at the ISS, paving the way for Williams and Wilmore’s return.
Health challenges after extended spaceflight
Spending prolonged periods in space poses significant health risks, including bone and muscle deterioration, radiation exposure, and vision impairment. NASA reports that astronauts lose approximately 1% of their bone density per month in microgravity, while muscle weakening is another common issue due to reduced physical activity.
Radiation exposure is another major concern, as Earth's atmosphere provides protection that is absent in space. Williams and Wilmore will now undergo extensive medical evaluations and rehabilitation.
PM Modi’s letter to Sunita Williams
Ahead of her return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Sunita Williams, expressing his admiration for her perseverance and achievements. Modi mentioned that he had inquired about her well-being during meetings with U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.
"1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance," Modi wrote.
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Some PG classes to be discontinued: Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor P.L. Dharma
Mangaluru: Mangalore University will discontinue some postgraduate (PG) classes in its constituent colleges from the next academic year, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma has announced.
Speaking to the media, he stated that due to a shortage of experienced faculty, it has become difficult to continue certain PG classes. As a result, these classes will be discontinued, and students must directly apply to Mangalore University instead of its constituent colleges.
Challenges in managing constituent colleges
The university currently manages four constituent colleges—Sandhya College, Mangalagangotri, Bannadka, and Nelyadi. However, maintaining these colleges has become challenging due to a shortage of permanent lecturers. While guest lecturers have been handling classes efficiently, the need for experienced senior faculty remains. The university has requested the government to convert these constituent colleges into government colleges.
Plan to utilise unused international hostel building
The university is considering using the unused international hostel building within its campus through public-private partnerships. With several private medical and engineering colleges in the city, discussions are underway to explore the possibility of allocating the building for their use after obtaining government approval.
Pending contractor payments
The university owes approximately ₹40 crore to contractors for various construction projects, including the hostel building. Due to financial constraints, payments will be made in phases, the vice-chancellor said.
Dispute over panchayat tax
Responding to a query about unpaid taxes to the local gram panchayat, Prof. Dharma stated that the Vishwamangala Trust, located within the university campus, has also been taxed. Since the trust operates independently of the university, discussions are ongoing with panchayat officials to exempt the international hostel and another unused building from taxation. Once a resolution is reached, pending taxes will be paid in installments.
Mangalore University secures 13 patents
The university has obtained 13 patents and aims to enhance its focus on continuous education, examinations, and research, the vice-chancellor added.
