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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Karnataka govt tables Rs 14,767 cr supplementary estimates in assembly
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday tabled the supplementary estimates in the assembly, totalling Rs 14,767 crore of additional expenditure for the current fiscal.
Tabled by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, supplementary estimates are additional expenditures incurred by the government over and above the budget provisions.
In the fiscal ending March, additional expenditures include Rs 147 crore on the Sadhana Samavesha to mark two years of the Congress government and Rs 223 crore for railway barricading to prevent human-elephant conflict.
As per the supplementary estimates, the government spent Rs 1.25 crore to purchase a Volvo XC90 for former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.
It also includes -- Rs 1,025 crore to clear various irrigation works bills, Rs 15 crore for helicopter and air travels by Governor, CM, ministers and other VIPs, Rs 110 crore towards scholarship and tuition fee reimbursement for minority students, Rs 15 crore for development of various temples, maths and trusts.
The government also spent Rs 1.4 crore to print a book comprising 'selected' speeches of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Rs 50 lakh to clear pending electricity and water bills of ministers' residences, Rs 10 crore towards rehabilitation of families affected by landslides at Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala.
Rs 5 crore each for Brahmin Development Board and Arya-Vysya Development Corporation, Rs 60 lakh to Supreme Court senior advocate Kapil Sibal for two appearances representing the government, Rs 5.13 crore towards bills from the Belagavi winter session of the legislature, Rs 5.5 crore towards pending bills from the 2019 and 2021 Assembly bypolls and the upcoming Davangere South and Bagalkot bypolls, are among the expenditures incurred.
