‘First Woman to..... ‘: Sunita Williams makes history with NASA, launches into space for the third time
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Historic Achievement
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has become the first woman to pilot a new spacecraft on its inaugural crewed test flight to space.
Launch Details
Williams, 58, launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, accompanied by NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Mission Significance
The mission, named Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT), is critical for certifying the Starliner for regular crewed flights to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Starliner’s Role
If successful, Starliner will become the second private spacecraft, after SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
Williams’ Career Milestone
This flight is another pioneering achievement for Williams, a veteran of two previous space shuttle missions, totalling 322 days in orbit. She holds records for most spacewalks (7) and spacewalk time (50 hours, 40 minutes) by a woman.
Mission Objectives
The Starliner capsule will attempt to dock with the ISS approximately 26 hours after liftoff, carrying Williams, Wilmore, and over 500 pounds of cargo. The astronauts will spend about a week aboard the station conducting tests and validating Starliner’s systems.
Cultural Significance
Williams’ achievement highlights her Indian-Slovenian heritage. Born to an Indian-American father from Gujarat and a Slovenian-American mother, she has celebrated her roots by carrying cultural items from both backgrounds during her spaceflights.
Legacy and Impact
Williams’ mission aboard Starliner represents a significant advancement in commercial space partnerships and cements her legacy as one of the most accomplished women in space exploration.
