Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin NASA astronaut, marked a milestone birthday in an extraordinary way – celebrating her 59th birthday aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This marked her second birthday in space, with her first occurring during her 2012 mission. While most of us associate birthdays with cake and candles, Williams’ celebration was decidedly more out of this world.
Since arriving on the ISS on June 6, Williams has been immersed in her role as part of the Boeing Crew Flight Test mission. Her birthday was no exception, as she diligently dedicated her time to maintaining the ISS’s vital life support systems. This involved a crucial task – replacing filters in the ISS’s waste and hygiene compartment, affectionately known as the ‘space bathroom.’ Later, she joined in a conference with flight directors at NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston, discussing future mission objectives and the scientific research being conducted in the orbiting laboratory.
While Williams was focused on her duties in space, back on Earth, fans in India were celebrating her special day. Indian music company Saregama organized a unique birthday surprise, featuring a special performance by renowned singers Sonu Nigam, Shaan, and Neeti Mohan, who belted out the classic birthday song ‘Bar Bar Din Ye Aaye.’ Taking to Instagram, Saregama shared their heartfelt wishes, encouraging others to join in the celebration and send their best wishes to Williams in space.
It’s important to note that this is Williams’ third trip to space, with her first in 2006 and the second in 2012. According to NASA, Williams has spent a cumulative total of 322 days in space, solidifying her position as the second woman astronaut with the highest number of spacewalks. This birthday celebration serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to space exploration, making her a true inspiration to aspiring astronauts and space enthusiasts worldwide.
