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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Debutant Kumar, Rickleton shine as MI beat KKR by 8 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Debutant Ashwani Kumar's 4 for 24 and Ryan Rickelton's unbeaten 62 handed Mumbai Indians a comfortable eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League match here on Monday.
Opting to bowl, MI rode on Kumar's brilliant display with the ball to bundle out KKR for 116 before they chased down the target in 12.5 overs.
Left-arm pacer Kumar became the first Indian to take four wickets on an IPL debut and help restrict KKR, who were bowled out in 16.2 overs.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scored for KKR with 26 off 16 balls.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders: 116 all out in 16.2 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 26; Ashwani Kumar 4/24).
Mumbai Indians: 121 for 2 in 12.5 overs (Ryan Rickleton 62 not out; Andre Russell 2/35).
