“Sunita Williams Set to Make Stellar Comeback with First Spacewalk in Over a Decade!”

Sunita Williams is preparing to embark on her first spacewalk in 12 years. A statement from NASA indicates that she will collaborate with fellow astronaut Nick Hague on a mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) scheduled for January 16, aimed at fixing the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope. 

Additionally, Sunita Williams will engage in another spacewalk only a few days later. Both of these extravehicular activities are part of NASA’s persistent endeavors to enhance and preserve the ISS. 

These missions are designated as “US spacewalk 91” on January 16 and “US spacewalk 92” on January 23.

January 16 Spacewalk

On January 16, Sunita Williams will join forces with fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague to swap out a vital rate gyro assembly, integral to sustaining the ISS’s orientation. 

Furthermore, the pair will inspect the light filters of the NICER (Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer) X-ray telescope, and substitute a reflector mechanism utilized for navigation on one of the station’s docking adapters. 

The team will also examine various access points and tools designated for future upkeep of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a significant scientific apparatus. 

NICER is poised to be the first NASA observatory to receive repairs in orbit since the Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission in 2009.

The International Space Station detailed the mission on social media, stating that the spacewalk on January 16 will concentrate on the NICER telescope repairs. 

“On January 16, NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Suni Williams will exit the space station to repair the NICER X-ray telescope. Hague, together with station astronaut Don Pettit, underwent training for the spacewalk last year,” the ISS posted on X (formerly Twitter).

On Jan. 16, @NASA_Astronauts Nick Hague and Suni Williams will exit the space station to repair the NICER X-ray telescope. Hague, along with station astronaut Don Pettit, trained for the spacewalk last year. More… https://t.co/GpQBetjtOs

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) January 8, 2025

As per NASA, Sunita Williams, who will be the second astronaut to step outside the station, will don an unmarked suit, while Nick Hague, leading as the first spacewalk crew member, will wear a suit with red stripes.

This will mark Sunita Williams’ eighth spacewalk and Nick Hague’s fourth. The spacewalk will be the 273rd in support of ISS assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.

January 23 Spacewalk

This spacewalk will constitute another essential task. This time, she will partner with astronaut Butch Wilmore to detach an antenna assembly from the station’s truss, gather surface samples for examination, and set up a spare joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm. 

This extravehicular activity will also include assessments for microbial life present on the station’s exterior. This event will mark the 274th spacewalk dedicated to ongoing maintenance and enhancements of the ISS.

Although Sunita Williams initially intended to return to Earth in February 2025, her return has been postponed owing to safety issues regarding the Boeing Starliner. She is now anticipated to return in March 2025.