New Delhi: As the world welcomes 2025, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will witness 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day. This is because the ISS completes an orbit around Earth every 90 minutes.
The ISS in a post on social media platform X, wrote: “As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year. Seen here are several sunsets pictured over the years from the orbital outpost.”
As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year. Seen here are several sunsets pictured over the years from the orbital outpost. pic.twitter.com/DdlvSCoKo1
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) December 31, 2024
Stuck in space for months
Initially planned as an eight-day mission, Williams has been stuck on the ISS since June 2024. Due to technical delays and changes in mission schedules, her stay has been extended multiple times. Her return now been pushed to March 2025.
In a video shared by NASA, Williams talked about spending the holidays in space: “It’s a great time to be up here. We get to spend it with all of our ‘family’ on the International Space Station. There are seven of us up here, and we’re going to enjoy the company together.” To keep their spirits high, NASA sent them holiday supplies aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, including Santa hats and special meals.
Return likely in first half of 2025
During Christmas, the crew shared greetings, decorating the station and enjoying festive meals. The astronauts keep in touch with their loved ones through video communication.
Williams and her colleague Barry Wilmore were scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025, but the delay in SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission has postponed their return.
