With Indian-origin astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams onboard, NASA and Boeing are contemplating extending the planned 45-day mission duration of the Starliner spacecraft to 90 days. This would allow more time for necessary tests and data review, as well as a ground test in New Mexico to investigate thruster malfunctions during the spacecraft's journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The extended mission would also give astronauts more time to perform routine tasks and conduct experiments while NASA and Boeing continue to evaluate the Starliner's propulsion system performance.
NASA Extends Starliner Mission with Indian-American Astronaut Sunita Williams
Background:
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is a reusable commercial space vehicle designed to transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA contracted with Boeing to develop the Starliner as part of its Commercial Crew Program, aimed at providing American astronauts with access to the ISS.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is a highly experienced NASA astronaut who has completed three space missions, including a six-month stay on the ISS from 2012 to 2013. Williams is currently serving as commander of the Starliner's first crewed mission, known as Starliner-1.
Mission Extension:
Initially scheduled for a 45-day mission, NASA and Boeing are now considering extending the Starliner-1 mission duration to 90 days. This decision is primarily motivated by various technical challenges encountered during the spacecraft's journey to the ISS.
In May 2023, the Starliner experienced a series of thruster malfunctions that required the spacecraft to perform multiple emergency burns. These malfunctions prompted NASA and Boeing to conduct additional ground testing in New Mexico to investigate the issue and ensure the safety of the astronauts.
Purpose of Mission Extension:
The 90-day mission extension would provide time for:
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Why is the mission being extended? A: The mission is being extended to allow for additional testing and data review following technical challenges encountered during the spacecraft's journey to the ISS.
2. Is the mission extension safe for the astronauts? A: NASA and Boeing are confident that the mission extension is safe for the astronauts, as additional ground testing will be conducted to ensure the reliability of the spacecraft.
3. How will the Indian-origin astronaut, Sunita Williams, contribute to the mission? A: Williams is serving as commander of the Starliner-1 mission, providing leadership and expertise during all phases of the mission.
4. What are the potential benefits of the mission extension? A: The extension would allow for more thorough testing, ensuring a safer spacecraft for future missions, and providing more time for astronauts to conduct valuable research.
5. When is the revised mission duration expected to end? A: The revised mission duration has yet to be officially confirmed, but it is anticipated to end in September or October 2023.
The World Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving and protecting our planet's most valuable natural sites. As human activity continues to threaten these sites, the Centre is working with partners around the world to ensure they maintain their outstanding universal value. One of these partnerships focuses on biosphere reserves, which serve as models for sustainable use of biodiversity. These reserves are nominated and recognized by national governments, and have three zones that work together to fulfill important functions. Explore these remarkable areas through the World Heritage Centre's database of information.
NASA's recent analysis of the asteroid Bennu sample, collected by its OSIRIS-REx mission in 2020, offers groundbreaking insights into the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth. The 121.6-gram sample is rich in carbon, nitrogen, and organic compounds, suggesting a possible past as a small, primitive ocean world. The discovery of a pure magnesium-sodium phosphate mineral, not previously detected by the spacecraft's remote sensing, further supports the asteroid's watery past and provides valuable information on the early solar system's formation over 4.5 billion years ago.
The Zika virus, transmitted through infected mosquitoes, is on the rise in Pune, India with pregnant women being the most vulnerable. The virus can lead to microcephaly and other birth defects in the fetus. The Pune Municipal Corporation is taking steps to protect pregnant women and has identified 49 cases so far. Read on to know more about the dangers of Zika virus for expecting mothers and the measures being taken to contain its spread in Pune.
Four Instagram influencers with a combined following of over 400k recently visited the lab of Dr Sheeba Irshad, a breast cancer medical oncologist and researcher. Dr Irshad's team is focused on finding novel immune therapies for chemotherapy resistant breast cancer and is addressing the disparities in outcomes among black women. The visitors were shown how breast cancer cells are grown in the lab and discussed the potential of cancer immunotherapy to save lives. The tour brought together scientists, patients, and healthcare professionals to share their experiences and collaborate towards finding better treatments for breast cancer.
The state of Kerala in India has been struck with terror as the third death due to a "brain-eating" amoeba was reported. The latest victim, a minor boy from Kozhikode, had taken a bath in a local pond before developing symptoms that eventually led to his demise. This is the third death caused by the rare and dangerous Naegleria fowleri in just two months, raising concerns and highlighting the need for awareness and preventive measures.
Astronaut Sunita Williams, accompanied by Barry Wilmore, is currently stuck aboard the International Space Station due to a technical issue with their transport spacecraft. While they are safe and well on the ISS, their return trip is currently on hold, posing potential health risks. Three experts from leading hospitals explain the impact of microgravity on the body and the risks which include fluid imbalance, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and other sensory and neurological issues. They also suggest strategies to mitigate these risks.
The India Meteorological Department has declared that the Southwest Monsoon has covered the entire country on July 2nd, six days ahead of the normal date. This is the third year in a row that the monsoon has advanced early and IMD officials have noticed a pattern of early advancement in the past few years. The monsoon is crucial for the country's agriculture and this year, the Met department has forecasted normal or above rainfall in most areas of the country.
The latest monsoon forecast by IMD brings good news for farmers in Northwest India, expecting above-normal rains in July to combat the scorching heatwave and dry spell experienced in June. However, the forecast also warns of potential extreme rainfall events and floods in the Western Himalayan states and parts of Central India. With a high probability of localized floods, disaster and dam management must be prioritized in these regions.
Packaged holiday operators and cruise lines are already taking bookings for a rare cosmic event happening in 2027: a six-and-a-half minute total solar eclipse passing over popular tourist destinations such as the Giza Pyramids and the Rock of Gibraltar. The event is being touted as "the eclipse of the century" and people in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East can also witness a partial eclipse. Clear skies are expected, making it a must-see phenomenon for sky-gazers and astronomers alike.
The upcoming Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP) mission, potentially launching in 2031 or 2032, will utilize SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket to explore the icy giant planet. Led by a coalition of scientists, the mission seeks to study Uranus's volatile atmosphere and potential habitable moons, providing valuable insights into the outer solar system and beyond. With its superior payload capacity, the Falcon Heavy rocket solidifies SpaceX's growing role in planetary exploration.