Needham High graduate and astronaut Sunita Williams, along with astronaut Butch Wilmore, are currently at the International Space Station. Williams recently called in from space to a local elementary school named after her, answering students’ questions while completing a test flight for Boeing’s Starliner. Initially expected to stay for about a week, they have now been in orbit for almost a month with no timeline for their return. However, officials have emphasized that they are not stranded and are not in any danger.
Williams, who hails from Needham and attended Needham High School, has been on two other space missions and previously held a record for cumulative spacewalking time by a woman astronaut. The elementary school was renamed in 2019 to honor her, making it the town’s first school named after a woman of color.
Boeing’s Starliner experienced delays during its recent trip to the ISS, including issues with the rocket and thruster malfunctions. Despite these setbacks, NASA has reported that the crew is safe and will continue testing the Starliner while docked at the ISS through the month of July. Williams and Wilmore are expected to provide an update in a news conference next week.
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