Ever wonder what astronauts do when they’re floating 250 miles above Earth? Well, it’s not all zero-gravity flips and moonwalks—though there are a few of those, too! Astronaut Sunita Williams, one of the most accomplished astronauts in NASA history, has spent some serious time aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Sunita Williams’ original mission aboard the ISS was only planned to last 8 days. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, her stay has been extended to nearly nine months, which has given her the opportunity to participate in numerous groundbreaking research projects, including spacewalks and experiments involving plant growth and microbial activity in microgravity.
Space Gardening
If you thought gardening was reserved for Earth’s backyard, think again! Williams participated in some unique space gardening experiments that helped NASA research plant growth under microgravity. She tended to romaine lettuce and other plants, studying how they grew and how water conditions affected their development. This isn’t just for fun—these studies are vital for future space missions, helping ensure astronauts have access to fresh food while exploring deep space.
Breaking Records in Spacewalks
Williams made history with her spacewalking skills! She set the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, with a total of 62 hours spent outside the ISS. She didn’t just go out there to look at the stars; each spacewalk served as a vital task for maintenance and research. These walks are an essential part of space exploration, as astronauts need to perform repairs and install equipment that keeps the ISS operational.
Exploring Microbes in Space
Here’s something you probably didn’t know—astronauts like Williams help study how microbes behave in space. In microgravity, bacteria and yeast cells behave differently, which could have a huge impact on the future of biomanufacturing. Williams worked on experiments using engineered microbes to investigate how space affects their development. The research could help NASA find ways to produce food, medicine, and even materials in space, reducing the need for resupplies from Earth.
The Power of Water Recovery
Water might seem abundant here on Earth, but in space, it’s a precious resource. Williams worked on experiments to improve water recovery systems aboard the ISS. One key project involved a packed bed reactor, which can help reclaim water from waste, making it reusable. This is crucial for long-term space missions where carrying water is impractical, and efficient systems for recycling are a must.
Creating Space Vitamins
Being in space means astronauts are often far away from fresh food, and preserving vitamins over long periods can be tricky. Williams worked on the BioNutrients project, using specially engineered microbes to create vitamins in space. This kind of innovation could lead to self-sustaining systems that help astronauts stay healthy, even during extended missions where Earth’s food sources aren’t available.
