**WASHINGTON, June 7:** Indian-Origin Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Successfully Enter International Space Station
In a significant achievement, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, alongside Butch Wilmore, entered the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday morning, as confirmed by NASA. The duo arrived at the ISS aboard NASA’s Boeing Starliner, which had lifted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on June 5.
Footage released by NASA depicted the historic moment when Williams and Wilmore, the first astronauts to fly on Boeing’s new capsule, entered the ISS through the hatch door at 3:46 pm ET on Thursday (IST on Friday morning). The Expedition 71 crew, comprising seven astronauts, warmly greeted them upon arrival.
Williams, aged 59, displayed sheer joy upon entering the ISS, breaking into a gig and embracing the astronauts already onboard the space station.
The journey to the ISS wasn’t devoid of challenges, with new issues emerging en route. However, Wilmore and Williams safely overcame these obstacles, culminating in their arrival at the space station.
Upon docking, additional measures were taken to ensure the secure connection between Starliner and the station’s port. Wilmore expressed his delight, remarking, “Nice to be attached to the big city in the sky.”
Following the equalization of pressure between Starliner and the ISS, the hatch between the two spacecraft opened, allowing the crew to be warmly welcomed by their ISS counterparts.
Wilmore expressed gratitude for the successful mission, noting the joyous atmosphere onboard. Williams echoed his sentiments, expressing thanks to family and friends and conveying her delight at being part of the ISS family.
“We have another family up here, which is just awesome,” Williams said. “And we’re just happy as can be to be up in space, one in Starliner on an Atlas V, and then here at the International Space Station. It just doesn’t get much better.”
