Sunita Williams, an Indian American NASA astronaut, says she saw a storm turn into a hurricane while in orbit. Since June 6, she has been based aboard the International Space Station. During an in-flight press conference, the astronaut discussed the hurricane.
NASA organized this Earth-to-space call to provide information about their mission and living in orbit.
“The hurricane is quite impressive,” Williams said. A week and a half before the hurricane made landfall, I actually snapped a picture of a storm off the coast of Africa, and I’m very convinced that storm is 98% certain to be the one that became Beryl.”
Astronaut Butch Wilmore, who is traveling with Williams, gave an update on the mission, saying, “The launch was spectacular, and the spacecraft performed unbelievably well.” Since this was a test flight, our control team and I are expected to make any necessary modifications and upgrades. We have also been included in the trips to conduct scientific research with gene sequencing and a 3D-printed lunar microscope.
Notably, technical problems with the spaceship caused a delay of several days in the Boeing Starliner test flight, which was originally scheduled to return to Earth in just eight days.
According to NASA, the Starliner may remain docked to the International Space Station for a maximum of 45 days. They have now been in space for 35 days.
In response to a question concerning the possibility of further flight problems, Williams stated, “We’ve gone through simulations for the spacecraft to handle failures.” With the help of our team, I’m sure we could undock in the event of an ISS malfunction and find a method to return home. I have a strong sense that we will return home in the spacecraft.
The spacecraft has seen five helium leaks since leaving Earth, it has been reported. It was also discovered that one propellant valve failed to seal all the way and five maneuvering thrusters died. Under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, this was Starliner’s first crewed trip.