'Another day, another sleigh': ISS crew all set for Christmas
What's the story
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her team on the International Space Station (ISS) are all set to celebrate Christmas. The festive mood was set after a SpaceX Dragon capsule recently arrived, bringing essential supplies and holiday gifts to the orbiting laboratory. NASA posted a photo of Williams and astronaut Don Pettit wearing Santa Claus hats inside the Columbus laboratory module of the ISS, humorously captioned "Another day, another sleigh."
Twitter Post
Take a look at the post
Another day, another sleigh ⛄️❄️@NASA_Astronauts Don Pettit and Suni Williams pose for a fun holiday season portrait while speaking on a ham radio inside the @Space_Station's Columbus laboratory module. pic.twitter.com/C1PtjkUk7P
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) December 16, 2024
Christmas plans
ISS crew to recreate holiday traditions in space
The ISS crew is looking to recreate familiar holiday customs in space. They will be enjoying special meals prepared with fresh ingredients delivered by the SpaceX Dragon capsule. The astronauts also plan to connect with their loved ones via video calls, letting them share moments of joy despite being far from home.
Educational efforts
Astronauts engage in educational outreach during festivities
Apart from their personal celebrations, the astronauts are also involved in educational outreach initiatives. They are sharing insights about life in space with students on Earth through live video sessions. These sessions are aimed at inspiring young minds to explore science and technology, giving an educational twist to their festive celebrations.
Mission details
SpaceX Dragon's successful cargo delivery mission
Last month, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully completed a critical cargo delivery mission for NASA. It delivered some 2,720kg of crew supplies, scientific experiments, and equipment to the ISS. Launched on November 4 on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, it arrived at the ISS on November 5. After re-entering Earth's atmosphere, the Dragon had a parachute-assisted splashdown off Florida's coast.
Mission extension
Williams's extended stay on ISS due to spacecraft malfunction
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore have been living aboard the ISS for six months now. Their mission was originally scheduled for eight days but was extended after a spacecraft malfunction. They are expected to return to Earth in February after their extended stay in space, marking the end of an unexpected but successful mission.