Despite their mission originally scheduled for just ten days, Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have now spent over a month in space. Currently stationed at the International Space Station (ISS), the duo, along with seven other astronauts, are not only conducting daily research but also engaging in maintenance and cleanup activities. Recently, Barry and Tracy Dyson disposed of trash bags near the Cygnus spacecraft, which is scheduled to be detached from the ISS and directed into the Pacific Ocean by the end of the month.
NASA has reassured everyone that Sunita and Barry are safe on the ISS. In fact, Sunita Williams is set to send a live message to Earth on July 10th at 8:30 PM, addressing all who are eagerly awaiting news from space.
However, the pressing question remains: when will Sunita and Barry return to Earth? NASA has not provided a definitive answer, sparking widespread speculation. If the Boeing Starliner fails, it is rumored that Elon Musk’s SpaceX will be tasked with bringing them back home. Until then, all eyes remain on the ISS, a critical hub for space exploration since 2000.
Life on the ISS is far from leisurely. Orbiting Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, the station experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. This rapid cycle creates unique challenges for the astronauts, affecting their sleep patterns and daily routines. To manage these difficulties, they adhere to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to maintain a consistent schedule.
Adjusting to life on the ISS and readapting to Earth’s environment upon return can be challenging for astronauts. Given that Sunita and Barry have already exceeded their mission duration, some scientists advocate for their swift return. As the world awaits further updates, the significance of the ISS in advancing space research and exploration remains paramount.
Read more: https://thelocaljournalist.com/global-heat-hits-fresh-record-in-12-month-streak/
