Sunita WilliamsCommander of the International Space Station (ISS), is finalizing preparations for her return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, scheduled for February 2025. This marks an important milestone in her mission as she undergoes extensive training focusing on spacecraft skills. Departure systems with his fellow crew members.
Training ensures that the team is well prepared for a safe and seamless return to the ground. In addition to his training, Williams continues to perform essential tasks aboard the ISS, contributing to mission success and crew safety during his final stages in space.
Sunita Williams prepares for SpaceX Dragon return: eye exams and rigorous training underway
An important part of Williams’ preparation involves the maintenance of the US spacesuit, which is essential for the upcoming spacewalk. Spacesuit functionality is critical to ensuring astronaut safety during extravehicular activities (EVAs). Williams is thoroughly inspecting and repairing the suit to ensure it’s ready for production. These functions are important to deal with any unexpected emergency during space operations.
Partnered with Williams. NASA Flight engineer Butch Wilmore to perform an in-depth eye examination using an ultrasound 2 device. In the procedure, they took turns scanning each other’s eyes while doctors on the ground monitored real-time data on their corneas, lenses and optic nerves. Prolonged stays in microgravity can cause changes in astronauts’ vision and eye health, making regular examinations an essential part of their health. This joint effort underscores the importance of protecting the health of astronauts during long-duration space missions.
In addition to medical supervision, Wilmore participated in operational tasks by transferring cargo between the Cabo and Columbus laboratory modules and installing air quality sensors in the Quest module. These sensors help track and maintain air quality, ensuring a safe and healthy environment on the ISS. Such efforts are critical to sustaining life on the station and supporting ongoing research activities.
Microalgae research for space missions by flight engineer Nick Hague
Flight engineer Nick Hague conducted ground-based research involving microalgae as a sustainable resource for long-duration missions. He processed sample containers for installation in a biolab research facility, with the goal of understanding how microgravity and radiation affect these organisms. Micro-algae hold promise for carbon dioxide removal, oxygen production, and food production—key ingredients for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This research could lead to innovative solutions for life support systems on future deep space missions.
The SpaceX Dragon crew completes departure training for a safe return in February 2025.
The crew held a joint training session aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, simulating their departure procedures. Williams, Hague, Wilmore, and astronaut Alexander Gorbunov familiarized themselves with the spacecraft’s systems to ensure a safe return trip. Haig and Gorbunov, who arrived at the ISS in September 2024, will return to Earth in spring 2025 with Williams and Willmore.
The diverse work performed by the ISS crew exemplifies NASA’s commitment to advancing human space exploration. From health monitoring and care to research and training, these activities play a critical role in ensuring the success of current missions while preparing for future explorations. By combining innovation and safety, crews are laying the groundwork for humanity’s next great leaps in the solar system.
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