Sunita Williams' Third Space Mission Aborted Just Hours Before Liftoff

sunita williams’ third space mission aborted just hours before liftoff

New Delhi: Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams’ highly anticipated third mission to space was abruptly called off just hours before liftoff, owing to a critical technical malfunction. The unforeseen setback, attributed to a “technical glitch,” occurred 90 minutes prior to the liftoff, compelling mission controllers to abort the launch. So far no new date has been announced for the launch.

Williams, revered as a role model for women aspiring to venture into space, faced a delay in her highly anticipated third mission as a brand-new spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner, encountered an unexpected setback. Originally scheduled for liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida’s Cape Canaveral at 8.04 am India time, the launch of the Atlas V rocket carrying the Starliner was called off just 90 minutes prior.

The US space agency NASA cited an off-nominal condition on an oxygen relief valve as the reason behind the postponement, highlighting the paramount importance of ensuring optimal conditions for a safe and successful mission. Consequently, both Sunita Williams and NASA’s Barry Wilmore, who were poised to pilot the Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station, were required to exit the Starliner crew module.

This mission held significant promise for Williams, who would have made history as the first woman to fly on a maiden crewed mission of a new space shuttle. With an impressive spacefaring record, including 322 days spent in space and a record for the maximum hours of spacewalk by a woman, Williams stood poised to further solidify her legacy in space exploration.

Williams embarked on her inaugural space voyage on December 9, 2006, setting a world record for women by undertaking four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes during her tenure aboard. Her subsequent voyage occurred from July 14 to November 18 in 2012, further cementing her status as a pioneering figure in space exploration.

Despite the delay, Williams remained undeterred, expressing confidence in the safety and reliability of the Starliner spacecraft. Notably, she played an instrumental role in the design process of the Starliner, collaborating closely with engineers from NASA and Boeing. Describing her impending journey to the International Space Station as a return home, Williams exuded a sense of familiarity and excitement about the mission ahead.

Ahead of the anticipated flight, Williams revealed her intention to carry an idol of Lord Ganesh, her “good luck charm,” on the journey, alongside a copy of the Bhagwad Gita. Known for her passion for physical fitness, Williams has even completed a triathlon in space, underscoring her resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

While the delay is undoubtedly disappointing, the mission’s objectives remain unchanged, aiming to demonstrate the Starliner’s spaceworthiness and the team’s readiness to achieve NASA certification for long-duration missions. As preparations continue and anticipation builds, the global space community eagerly awaits the rescheduled launch, poised to witness another milestone in Sunita Williams’ extraordinary journey beyond Earth’s bounds.