NASA's two stranded astronauts took their first spacewalk together on Thursday, exiting the International Space Station nearly eight months after moving in. Commander Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore removed a broken antenna and wiped the station's exterior to check for any microbes.
Since their arrival on the ISS last June for what was supposed to be just a week-long visit, the astronauts found themselves atop the world, trapped by mechanical failures of their Boeing Starliner capsule. Originally, the Starliner was cleared for crewed missions, but it quickly became evident during their stay aboard the station it was not to be the case. NASA decided to return the spacecraft empty—an unexpected twist leaving the two test pilots orbiting up there until at least late March or early April.
During their spacewalk, which lasted about five hours and 26 minutes, the astronauts were tasked with removing the antenna and ensuring no debris would cause damage to the station. After some initial trouble unbolting the balky antenna, they finally pried it off nearly four hours after exiting the hatch. Mission Control had urged them to keep an eye out for floating debris from the removal. Williams, during the task, set a new spacewalking record for female astronauts—an astute reminder of the trailblazing journeys women have undertaken in space.
"Here we go,” Wilmore said as he emerged from the hatch, his voice breaking the serene silence of space. The camaraderie between the two retired Navy captains was palpable, as both had engaged in similar missions before, albeit not at the same time. Williams had completed eight previous spacewalks; this was her ninth. Wilmore, on the other hand, was performing his first spacewalk during this current mission.
While their initial goal was simply to assess the ISS and carry out maintenance work, the astronauts also collected samples from the station's exterior, eager to test for microbes. Williams performed her first spacewalk with another NASA astronaut just two weeks prior, lending her experience to this joint venture.
With their original schedule disrupted by unexpected delays, Williams and Wilmore's mission has now been extended to nearly ten months. "Being deployed for a little longer than expected is not unusual for any of us," Williams noted, pointing out how the training prepares astronauts for such unpredictable situations. "You just have to learn how to adapt, and obviously we’ve all done it. We’ve made this crew quite cohesive up here." Their ability to adapt has been tested, but both astronauts have expressed pride for their unconventional mission, which they tackle with humor and teamwork.
The much-anticipated spacewalk signals not just teamwork but remarkable progress since their initial launch aboard Boeing's Starliner, which suffered technical issues preventing safe return. NASA has reassured the public and families of the astronauts, making it clear they are not "stranded"; rather, it's become part of the strategy to allow for safe and steady operations aboard the ISS.
The space station remains home to thirteen astronauts currently, which includes future Crew-10 members, who are preparing for their arrival. SpaceX is on schedule to bring both Williams and Wilmore back to Earth—but not without overcoming several road bumps along the way, including the prior missions from SpaceX, which NASA has used extensively for crewed transport.
Williams' career now boasts nine total spacewalks, making her the record holder for the most time spent spacewalking among female astronauts, with over sixty-two hours logged. Previously, this title was held by retired astronaut Peggy Whitson with sixty hours and twenty-one minutes across ten missions. Whitson remains recognized for her tenacity, leaving behind the goodwill of future generations of female astronauts.
Despite the inconvenience of remaining longer than planned, the astronauts focused on the upside. For them, being among the stars offers both solace and curiosity. Their daily tasks may include routine maintenance or troubleshooting on the ISS, but they also remind viewers at home of the endless possibilities beyond Earth.
Since the spacewalk was broadcast live, many space enthusiasts and armchair astronauts tuned in, marveling at the breathtaking views from space and the resilience of human spirit. The broader goal of these missions, said Wilmore, is not just to fix satellites or antennas but to inspire those back on Earth. The two astronauts continue to share their experiences, emphasizing their intent to motivate the next generation of explorers to reach for the stars.
Even now, as they wait for the Crew-9 mission to conclude, Williams and Wilmore stand as symbols of perseverance. When asked about their time aboard the ISS, Wilmore said, "This is all part of the game. It’s not just about getting home; it’s about the experience, the science, and all the people we represent." Their contributions continue to shine brightly within the annals of space exploration, anchoring the narrative of bold endeavors undertaken by humans among the stars.
With the impending arrival of new crew members to the ISS, this chapter of their adventure will soon close, leaving behind the promise of innovation and determination. The legacy of astronauts like Williams and Wilmore will endure, inspiring the myriad of dreams yet to be fulfilled beyond our planetary home.