Sunita Williams Breaks Spacewalking Record During 92nd US Spacewalk

NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams achieved a historic milestone on January 30, 2025, by surpassing former astronaut Peggy Whitson’s total spacewalking record. The International Space Station (ISS) officially shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter):

“NASA astronaut Suni Williams just surpassed former astronaut Peggy Whitson’s total spacewalking time of 60 hours and 21 minutes today. Suni is still outside in the vacuum of space removing radio communications hardware.”

This record-breaking spacewalk marks a significant achievement in Williams’ career and underscores NASA’s ongoing efforts in space exploration and maintenance.

Critical ISS Maintenance and Scientific Missions

During this remarkable spacewalk, Sunita Williams conducted crucial maintenance work on the ISS. She also collected material samples from the Destiny laboratory and Quest airlock for scientific research and analysis. This spacewalk was part of Expedition 72, which began on September 23, 2024. The event was streamed live on NASA’s official website and YouTube channel, drawing significant global attention.

The spacewalk commenced at 8 a.m. EST, with Williams wearing a spacesuit with red stripes and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, who was in an unmarked suit. This was Wilmore’s fifth spacewalk and Williams’ ninth, highlighting their extensive experience in extravehicular activity (EVA). The operation was expected to last six and a half hours as part of their assigned duties in orbit.

Political Controversy Over Delayed Astronaut Return

While the astronauts continued their mission aboard the ISS, their extended stay has become a politically charged issue. SpaceX founder Elon Musk stirred debate on X by commenting on the delay in the return of Wilmore and Williams due to ongoing technical issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule.

“The President has asked SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the ISS as soon as possible. We will do so. Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.”

Adding to the controversy, President Donald Trump also voiced his concerns on Truth Social:

“I have asked SpaceX founder Elon Musk to go get the two brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!”

NASA’s Response: No Astronauts Were Stranded

In response to these statements, NASA and space experts have dismissed the notion of astronauts being ‘stranded’, clarifying that while their return was postponed, at no point were Wilmore and Williams in any imminent danger. NASA reaffirmed that a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule was always available to facilitate their safe return if necessary.

Planned Return and Future Missions

NASA has confirmed that Wilmore and Williams are scheduled to return aboard the Crew 9 mission at the end of March 2025. Their mission will complete nearly 300 days in space, making it one of the longer stays aboard the ISS.

However, NASA cautioned that an earlier-than-planned return could disrupt critical ISS operations, potentially leaving only one US astronaut onboard, which would impact scientific research and station management.