How did Sunita go to space Related: Worksheet - Sunita in Space?
On December 9, 2006, Williams flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery on the STS-116 mission to the ISS, where she was a flight engineer for Expeditions 14 and 15. ... She was the second American astronaut of Indian heritage to go into space, after Kalpana Chawla, who died in the Columbia disaster.
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How did Sunita go to space Related: Worksheet - Sunita in Space?
Introduction:
Sunita Williams, an American astronaut, had the incredible opportunity to go to space. She embarked on her space mission as a part of the Expedition 14/15 crew to the International Space Station (ISS). Let's delve into the details of how Sunita Williams went to space.
Selection and Training:
1. Selection: Sunita Williams was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1998. She was chosen from a pool of thousands of applicants due to her exceptional qualifications and skills.
2. Training: After her selection, Sunita underwent rigorous training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This training encompassed various aspects such as technical skills, physical fitness, survival training, and simulations to prepare her for the challenges of space travel.
The Space Mission:
1. Expedition 14/15: Sunita Williams' journey to space was a part of the Expedition 14/15 mission. The Expedition 14 crew launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 18, 2006, aboard the Soyuz TMA-9 spacecraft.
2. Spacecraft: The Soyuz TMA-9 spacecraft served as the transportation vehicle for Sunita Williams and her crewmates. It is a Russian spacecraft designed to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS.
3. Space Station: Upon reaching the ISS, Sunita Williams became a member of the International Space Station crew. The ISS is a habitable space station orbiting the Earth, where astronauts conduct scientific research and perform various tasks.
4. Duration: Sunita spent a total of 195 days, 19 hours, and 38 minutes in space during her Expedition 14/15 mission. This duration allowed her to engage in numerous experiments, maintenance activities, and spacewalks.
Spacewalks:
1. Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs): Sunita Williams took part in multiple spacewalks, also known as EVAs, during her time on the ISS. These EVAs involved venturing outside the space station to conduct repairs, installation of equipment, and maintenance tasks.
2. Duration and Achievements: Sunita performed four EVAs, accumulating a total of 29 hours and 17 minutes of spacewalking time. She set several records during her spacewalks, including the longest-duration spaceflight for a female astronaut.
Conclusion:
Sunita Williams had the remarkable opportunity to go to space as a part of the Expedition 14/15 crew to the International Space Station. Her selection as an astronaut candidate, extensive training, and successful mission execution allowed her to contribute to scientific research and exploration in space. Sunita's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring astronauts and showcases the remarkable achievements of human space exploration.
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