Sunita Williams to ring in New Year 16 times!
What's the story
As 2024 draws to a close, astronaut Sunita Williams and her team on the International Space Station (ISS) are gearing up for a one-of-a-kind New Year celebration.
The Expedition 72 crew will welcome 2025, 16 times as the ISS orbits around Earth.
The bizarre celebration is possible due to the station's roughly 90-minute orbit, giving them a glimpse of multiple sunrises and sunsets from 400km above.
Twitter Post
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As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year. Seen here are several sunsets pictured over the years from the orbital outpost. pic.twitter.com/DdlvSCoKo1
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) December 31, 2024
Extended mission
Williams's extended stay on ISS
Williams, the ISS Commander, has been on board since June 2024.
Her mission was originally planned for eight days on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft but was extended due to technical difficulties.
She is now expected to stay in space until March 2025. This extended stay gives her the rare opportunity to celebrate the New Year multiple times as the ISS orbits Earth.
Festive activities
ISS crew's New Year celebration plans
The ISS crew has planned a number of activities to celebrate the New Year.
These include relishing special meals prepared using fresh ingredients sent from Earth, and connecting with their loved ones via video calls.
Even though they are away from home, they have kept the holiday spirit alive by sharing greetings and adopting festive traditions like decorating and preparing special meals, all while conducting critical scientific research aboard the ISS.