Extended ISS stay for Williams, Wilmore (Image: NASA/X)

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to participate in a live Q&A session from the International Space Station (ISS) at 11:45 PM IST on Friday, September 13. The session will be broadcasted as part of a news conference aboard the ISS, offering a unique glimpse into life in low Earth orbit.

How to Watch the Live Event

The live coverage of the event will be available on NASA+, the NASA app, and the agency’s official website. Viewers can also follow NASA’s social media channels for updates and streaming options.

Starliner Mission and Crew Update

Williams and Wilmore are currently on an extended mission aboard the ISS after flying on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024. They are expected to remain in space until February 2025, awaiting their return on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The Starliner successfully returned to Earth on September 7, landing in New Mexico around 9:30 AM IST. NASA confirmed that the spacecraft had returned safely, marking a successful test of its capabilities.

Delay and Technical Issues

The Starliner mission experienced delays due to technical issues detected by NASA during the flight. Originally scheduled for a return in mid-June, the mission was extended to eight months. Boeing conducted extensive thruster tests, but NASA decided to opt for SpaceX for the crew's return. The Starliner mission was Boeing’s first crewed flight, and the extended stay highlights the complexities involved in space travel.