NASA astronaut Sunita Williams marked her 59th birthday aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on September 19, 2024. Rather than cake and candles, she dedicated her day to vital maintenance tasks and scientific research.
Currently on her third spaceflight, Williams worked tirelessly to ensure the ISS operated smoothly. She collaborated with fellow astronaut Don Pettit, focusing on maintaining life support systems. Together, they replaced filters in the station's waste and hygiene compartment, affectionately called the space bathroom. This crucial task helps keep a clean living space for the crew.
Sunita’s Busy Birthday in Space
In addition to maintenance, Williams attended a conference with flight directors at Mission Control Center in Houston. Alongside astronauts Barry Wilmore and Frank Rubio, they discussed mission objectives and future tasks, showcasing ongoing teamwork between the ISS crew and ground control.
Williams also organised cargo inside the Columbus laboratory module. This effort was essential for making the best use of space and resources on the station. Meanwhile, her crewmates trained for the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft's upcoming departure and conducted advanced technology demonstrations.
Her current mission, which started in June 2024, has been extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Williams is now set to return to Earth in February 2025, potentially breaking records for cumulative time in space.
Musical Tribute from India
In a special surprise, Indian music company Saregama gifted Williams a heartfelt musical tribute for her birthday. A group of renowned Indian singers, including Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Hariharan, and Neeti Mohan, performed a unique rendition of the classic birthday song "Bar Bar Din Ye Aaye," originally sung by Mohd Rafi.
The video, shared on Instagram by Saregama, features filmmaker Karan Johar sending warm wishes to Williams. Saregama also encourages fans to join the celebration by sharing their own birthday greetings using the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySunita.
A Look at her Achievements
Trailblazing as a Test Pilot:
In 1993, Williams became a naval test pilot, flying over 30 aircraft and logging 2,770 flight hours. She joined NASA's astronaut program in 1998 after earning a Master’s in Engineering Management, training with Roskosmos for her future space missions.
Historic Space Achievements:
Williams launched into space on December 9, 2006, with STS-116. As a flight engineer for Expeditions 14 and 15, she logged over 29 hours of spacewalks and 195 days in orbit. Notably, she ran the Boston Marathon from the ISS treadmill.
Expedition 32 and 33:
On July 15, 2012, Williams flew on Soyuz TMA-05M for Expedition 32 and later commanded Expedition 33. She completed three additional spacewalks, totaling over 50 hours outside the ISS, and accomplished a triathlon in orbit.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program:
In 2015, Williams joined NASA’s Commercial Crew program, supporting private spacecraft missions. In 2024, she piloted Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s first crewed test flight, successfully docking with the ISS despite technical challenges.
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