Safest Place in Space for Sunita Williams: ISRO Chief S Somanath

Mr Somanath, speaking exclusively to NDTV on Tuesday, expressed his expectation for Ms Williams to return on the Boeing Starliner capsule. When asked about potential concerns regarding Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming trip to the International Space Station (ISS) due to Ms Williams’ extended stay, Mr Somanath clarified that the circumstances surrounding Ms Williams’ mission were unrelated to the ISS. He noted that Ms Williams had originally planned for a week-long mission and was intended to return aboard the Boeing Starliner, which has encountered technical issues.

However, he reassured that the astronauts on the ISS were in a safe position and that plans were in place for their return, either on the Starliner or another capsule. He emphasized the challenges of transitioning a trained crew from one craft to another but expressed his expectation that Ms Williams and her fellow astronaut would return on the Boeing capsule itself. The Boeing Starliner, carrying Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore, has been at the ISS since June, facing propulsion system glitches and helium leaks.

Efforts are underway to address these issues and facilitate their return to Earth. Group Captain Shukla is slated to join the Indo-US Axiom-4 mission to the ISS in early 2025. This mission, led by Dr Peggy Annette Whitson, will involve scientific research, technology demonstration experiments, and space outreach activities.