Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where she has been since June 2024 with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore. Recently, the pair completed a spacewalk, and a stunning selfie of Williams from the event has captivated people. NASA shared the amazing photo on Instagram, dubbing it “the ultimate selfie.”
NASA captioned this post, “Nasa astronaut Suni Williams captured this selfie on January 30, 2025, while the ISS orbited 263 miles (423 km) above the Pacific Ocean. This memorable photo was taken during Williams’ ninth spacewalk, where she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore removed hardware from the station’s exterior and collected surface samples from areas near the Destiny laboratory and Quest airlock for analysis.”
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NASA explained that the samples collected during the spacewalk are crucial for studying the release of microorganisms from the space station, including their quantity and potential travel distance. These samples also help scientists understand how these microorganisms survive and reproduce in space’s harsh conditions, providing valuable insights into how they might behave on future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Suni as length scale for solar panels. pic.twitter.com/nzGIdd0F6V
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) February 1, 2025
During her ninth spacewalk, the astronaut set a new record for the most total spacewalk time by a female astronaut, surpassing the previous record held by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. With 62 hours and 6 minutes of spacewalk time, she now ranks fourth on NASA’s all-time list.
NASA described Astronaut Suni Williams’ selfie, highlighting the reflection of her arms, hands, and the camera in the shiny visor of her helmet. The photo also captures part of the International Space Station, the vast darkness of space, and the Pacific Ocean to the left. Around her helmet, other parts of her spacesuit are visible, along with a glimpse of space on the right.
The two astronauts were launched to the International Space Station in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 for an eight-day mission. However, they have been stranded aboard the ISS due to a propulsion leak in their spacecraft. Recently, former President Donald Trump urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to bring back the “two brave astronauts.”
On social media, Trump wrote, “I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to ‘go get’ the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!”
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