This Thanksgiving, millions celebrated the holiday with family and friends, but a select few did so far from the traditional dinner table: aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Among them was NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, part of the Expedition 72 crew who spent the holiday hundreds of miles above Earth. The crew’s activities weren’t limited to festive cheer; their mission involved a multitude of advanced biology and technology studies designed to improve human health and industry both on Earth and in the vast expanse of space.
The NASA release of November 25th detailed Commander Williams’s contributions. She dedicated the day to vital work within the Quest airlock, meticulously servicing oxygen and nitrogen tanks, filtering and inspecting suit cooling loops, and installing protective shields for the life support systems within the spacesuits. This meticulous maintenance ensures the safety and functionality of crucial equipment for future spacewalks and missions.
But amidst the rigorous scientific work, the crew took time for a unique Thanksgiving celebration. A video message featured four NASA astronauts – Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Donald R. Pettit, and Nick Hague – sharing their Thanksgiving greetings. Nick Hague described their adapted Thanksgiving tradition, explaining that while the setting was different, the spirit remained the same. Their “feast,” he proudly announced, was contained within a specially prepared package.
The contents of this out-of-this-world Thanksgiving meal were revealed: Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, apples, spiced smoked turkey – a surprisingly hearty and delicious menu adapted for the confines of space travel. The astronauts’ enthusiasm was palpable as they described the meal, highlighting its deliciousness despite the unusual circumstances.
In a particularly heartwarming segment of the video message, Sunita Williams extended a heartfelt Thanksgiving greeting to friends, family, and supporters back on Earth. The message conveyed not only the crew’s gratitude but also the remarkable spirit of camaraderie and dedication that defines space exploration. Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, has been at the ISS since June, a testament to the extended nature of their mission.
Their journey began on June 5th aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, marking its first crewed flight. They reached the ISS on June 6th, but the mission quickly evolved. Initially planned as a week-long test flight, NASA’s decision to extend the Starliner’s stay resulted in an eight-month mission. While the Starliner itself returned to Earth on September 6th, Williams and Wilmore remained on the ISS, continuing their research as part of Expedition 72. Their return to Earth is scheduled for February of next year, culminating a truly extraordinary and extended mission that seamlessly blended scientific progress with a festive Thanksgiving celebration in the most unique setting imaginable.
