Sunday , November 24 2024

Sunita Williams' third space flight postponed, delayed 90 minutes before takeoff

Sunita Williams: The third space flight of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has been postponed at the last minute. Just 90 minutes before takeoff the decision was taken to abort the mission. The new launch date has not been announced yet. However, information as to why the decision to postpone this flight has been taken has also come to light.

Why was the flight postponed?

Sunita Williams was going on her third space trip on Tuesday. Sunita was scheduled to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Cornwall, Florida aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft at 8.04 am IST. However, 90 minutes before takeoff, scientists detected a technical fault in the spacecraft's oxygen valve and the flight was aborted. NASA scientist Barry Wilmore was also going to the International Space Station in a Boeing spacecraft along with Sunita Williams.

A unique record in the name of Sunita in space:

Sunita Williams holds the record for spending 322 days in space. She holds the record for the longest spacewalk by a female scientist. Williams first flew into space on December 9, 2006, and remained in space until June 22, 2007.

Sunita Williams walked in space four times for a record 29 hours and 17 minutes. After this, Sunita Williams went on a second space journey on 14 July 2012 and remained in space till 18 November 2012. Sunita Williams, 59, said she was a little nervous before the flight but was also excited to fly in the new spacecraft. Williams said the International Space Station has become like a second home to him.