Sunita Williams NASA spacewalk Live updates: Both astronauts step outside the space station, mission underway

The mission, designated US Spacewalk 91, will involve replacing essential station hardware and repairing the Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) X-ray telescope. The spacewalk commenced at approximately 8 a.m. EST (1300 UTC) or 6:30 p.m. IST and is expected to last about six and a half hours.

Williams, a seasoned astronaut and member of Expedition 72, is facing what many consider the toughest spacewalk of her career due to the complex nature of the NICER repairs. The telescope plays a crucial role in studying neutron stars and extreme phenomena in the universe, making this repair operation vital to ongoing scientific research.

Nick Hague, also part of Expedition 72, is accompanying Williams on this mission. Hague, identifiable by the red stripes on his spacesuit, has completed three previous spacewalks, while Williams, wearing the unmarked suit, is bringing her extensive experience from seven prior spacewalks to the operation. Both astronauts have now stepped outside the space station, and the mission is underway.

Latest updates here:

# Astronaut Nick Hague steps outside the space station.

# Currently facing a temporary loss of mission feed from the ISS to mission control.

# This operation marks the 273rd spacewalk in support of the International Space Station.

# Here are the planned tasks that the crew members will undertake during the spacewalk.

# Astronauts have started the preparations for this crucial spacewalk.

# You can stream the video below:

Both astronauts arrived at the ISS in September 2024, marking the start of Expedition 72. Together, they have contributed significantly to maintaining and enhancing the station’s functionality.