NRI Sunita Williams Embarks on Critical Spacewalk to
Repair NICER Telescope
Los Angeles/Jan 16, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh
NRI Sunita Williams, NASA astronaut, along with fellow astronaut Nick Hague, has ventured outside the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out essential maintenance and repairs as part of US Spacewalk 91. The mission, which began at approximately 8 a.m. EST (1300 UTC) or 6:30 p.m. IST is expected to last around six and a half hours.
The primary objectives of the spacewalk include replacing critical station hardware and conducting intricate repairs on the Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) X-ray telescope. NICER is a key instrument for studying neutron stars and exploring extreme cosmic phenomena, making the repair vital to advancing astrophysical research.
This spacewalk marks a significant challenge for Williams, a veteran astronaut with seven previous spacewalks under her belt. As a member of Expedition 72, she is facing one of the most complex tasks of her career, given the sophisticated nature of the NICER repairs.
Williams is joined by Nick Hague, another seasoned astronaut from Expedition 72. Hague, easily identifiable by the red stripes on his spacesuit, has completed three previous spacewalks. Meanwhile, Williams, in an unmarked suit, is leveraging her extensive expertise to ensure the mission’s success.
Both astronauts are now outside the space station, diligently working to complete their tasks and ensure the continued functionality of the ISS and its scientific instruments.
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