On Friday morning, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), according to NASA. The astronauts traveled on NASA’s Boeing Starliner, which docked with the ISS after launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on June 5.
This docking was significant as Williams and Wilmore were the first to fly on Boeing’s new capsule. Footage from NASA captured their arrival at 3:46 pm ET on Thursday, translating to early Friday morning in India.
As soon as Sunita Williams entered the ISS through the hatch door of the Harmony module, she danced with joy and had a broad smile. She then embraced the welcome from Expedition 71 crew members. Williams expressed her gratitude to family and friends and relished being part of the ISS family again. Her enthusiasm was evident as she interacted with her colleagues on the space station.
The journey faced challenges, with new issues arising en route. However, Williams and Wilmore’s expertise ensured a safe arrival. They launched from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral at 10:52 am local time on June 5.
Following a successful docking, the connection between Starliner and the ISS was secured, and the pressure was equalized. At about 3:46 pm ET, the hatch opened, and the crew warmly welcomed the newcomers.
Williams and Wilmore’s arrival marks a new chapter in space exploration and highlights the resilient human spirit driving such missions.
