Sunita Williams' Record Spacewalk, Starliner Issues
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Feb 06, 2025 · Last updated Feb 10, 2025
The technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft have a negative market sentiment for Boeing, raising concerns about its reliability in space transport. Conversely, SpaceX's role in the planned return of the astronauts could positively impact its reputation and future contracts. The event highlights the ongoing challenges and advancements in the aerospace industry.
United States — NASA astronaut Sunita Williams captured an 'ultimate selfie' during her ninth spacewalk on January 30, 2025, while orbiting 423 km above the Pacific Ocean. During this spacewalk, she and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore removed hardware from the International Space Station and collected surface material samples for scientific analysis, which will help understand microorganism survival in space for future Moon and Mars missions. Sunita Williams also broke Peggy Whitson's record for cumulative spacewalking time by a female astronaut, now standing at 62 hours and 6 minutes. Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been stranded on the International Space Station since June 2024 due to technical issues, including propulsion leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. United States — NASA initially planned their return in February via SpaceX, but it was delayed. They are now scheduled to return in March 2025 on the Crew 9 mission, having spent nearly 300 days in space. Donald Trump also publicly urged Elon Musk and SpaceX to bring the astronauts home.
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