As we say goodbye to 2024, Sunita Williams, an Indian-American astronaut, along with her fellow astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will have a special and rare experience of celebrating the arrival of the New Year not once, but 16 times.
The reason for this unique experience is that the ISS orbits Earth at a very high speed—about 28,000 kilometers per hour. This means the astronauts aboard the station travel around Earth approximately 16 times a day. As they orbit Earth at an altitude of about 400 kilometers, they get to see both sunrises and sunsets multiple times during each orbit.
So, while we on Earth will celebrate the New Year just once, the astronauts in space will witness the transition into 2025 a total of 16 times. This offers them a fascinating and breathtaking view of the sun rising and setting over different parts of the planet as they continue their mission in space.
Sunita Williams and ISS Crew to Celebrate New Year 16 Times
As 2024 comes to an end, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will have the rare experience of celebrating the New Year 16 times.
The Expedition 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while orbiting Earth, traveling at an altitude of about 400 kilometers as they move into 2025.
Williams, who is currently the ISS Commander, has been onboard since June 2024. She originally joined the station for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year. Seen here are several sunsets pictured over the years from the orbital outpost. pic.twitter.com/DdlvSCoKo1
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) December 31, 2024Also Read: Sunita Williams’ Return to Earth Delayed Further, Announces NASA
Sunita Williams Extended Stay in Space
Due to technical challenges, Williams’ stay in space has been extended until March 2025. This means she will experience multiple New Year celebrations as the International Space Station (ISS) orbits the Earth every 90 minutes.
The crew will mark the occasion with special activities, including enjoying meals made from fresh ingredients sent from Earth. They will also connect with loved ones through video calls, helping maintain their emotional well-being during the extended mission.
Williams has previously shared her excitement about this extraordinary experience, calling space her “happy place.”
Along with celebrating the New Year, Williams and her team also spread festive cheer by sending Christmas greetings, embracing the holiday spirit while being far from home.
Astronauts Embrace Holiday Traditions
Astronauts aboard the ISS have embraced holiday traditions, such as decorating and preparing special meals, all while carrying out crucial scientific research.
As they get ready to celebrate the New Year multiple times, Williams and her crew highlight the incredible milestones of human space exploration.
Their journey showcases both the challenges astronauts face and the sense of joy and teamwork that thrives in even the most extraordinary situations. Looking ahead to 2025, their experiences continue to inspire people globally, sparking wonder and excitement about space travel.
Also Read: Sunita Williams Set for Rescue Launch Tonight
FAQs
Q.1. Why will Sunita Williams and her crew celebrate the New Year 16 times?
Ans. Due to the ISS orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, the crew will experience 16 sunrises and sunsets in a day, marking the New Year multiple times.
Q.2. How fast does the ISS travel around Earth?
Ans. The ISS orbits Earth at about 28,000 kilometers per hour, completing one orbit approximately every 90 minutes.
Q.3. What holiday traditions do astronauts aboard the ISS follow?
Ans. Astronauts decorate, prepare special meals, and connect with loved ones through video calls to celebrate holidays while conducting scientific research.
Q.4. Why was Sunita Williams’ stay in space extended?
Ans. Due to technical challenges, her mission aboard the ISS has been extended until March 2025.
Q.5. How do astronauts maintain emotional well-being in space?
Ans. Astronauts connect with family and friends via video calls and engage in activities that boost morale, such as celebrating holidays and special occasions.
