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Sunita Williams emphasizes Earth’s uniqueness in live session from space
Highlighting the gravity of space exploration, Williams remarked, “Humans orbiting the planet is just a miracle. It takes millions of pieces and parts to get together to make that happen.”
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore / Image- Screen Grab of YouTube (NASA)
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, who is currently stationed at the International Space Station (ISS), emphasized the singularity and fragility of planet Earth during a live session from space. Williams along with astronaut Butch Wilmore, are the crew of Boeing Starliner’s inaugural crewed test flight.
Speaking to the White House in a Q&A session moderated by Chirag Parikh, Deputy Assistant to President Joe Biden and Executive Secretary for the White House's National Space Council, Williams emphasized that Earth is the only known home for humanity.
"It's just our planet. That's all we have. We have one planet that we know of as human beings, where we all live," she said adding that this perspective drives a profound sense of unity and the need for global cooperation in preserving the planet.
Highlighting the gravity of space exploration, Williams remarked, “Humans orbiting the planet is just a miracle. It takes millions of pieces and parts to get together to make that happen.”
The session, aimed at fostering public interest in space and highlighting the importance of America's space endeavors, was a testament to the dedication and innovation driving the Starliner mission. Parikh lauded the astronauts, saying, "Your bravery in taking this inaugural test flight... demonstrates the ingenuity and bravery that deepens American leadership in space."
Williams, who made history as the first Asian American and first woman to pilot a spacecraft on its first mission, spoke about the importance of inclusivity and perseverance when asked about her groundbreaking role.
"It doesn’t really matter who you are, where you came from... if you can do the job, you can do the job. And I challenge people to just get out there and do it," she stated, encouraging young people to pursue their dreams regardless of their background.
Reflecting on her experiences in space, the 58-year-old recounted a transformative moment during her first mission and the awe of seeing Earth from space. Williams also spoke about the physical challenges of space travel and the adaptations required for astronauts.
She detailed the use of exercise equipment on the ISS to maintain bone density and muscle strength, ensuring astronauts can readjust to Earth’s gravity upon return. “Life on Earth is really the best thing ever,” she concluded, expressing her eagerness to return home while cherishing the unique experiences of living in space.
The crew is expected to land in the New Mexico desert no earlier than, June 18, NASA posted on X.
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