Sunita Williams to Ring in 2025 with 16 Sunrises and Sunsets in Space

As 2024 draws to a close, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are gearing up for a unique New Year’s celebration—experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets in just 24 hours as they orbit Earth. This extended mission gives Williams the rare chance to celebrate the New Year 16 times, offering a stunning view of the Earth’s beauty from space.

A Multi-Sunrise and Sunset Celebration

A post on the ISS’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared: “As 2024 ends, the Expedition 72 crew will witness 16 sunrises and sunsets while traveling into the New Year. The post also showcased several breathtaking sunsets captured from the station.”

Mission Delays Extend Stay

Sunita Williams has been aboard the ISS since June 2024. Initially scheduled for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, her stay has been extended due to technical delays, and she is now expected to remain in space until March 2025.

Space Festivities

Thanks to the extended mission, Williams and her crew were also able to celebrate Christmas in space. In a video shared by NASA, the crew donned festive attire and set up a Christmas tree and decorations aboard the ISS. Williams expressed her joy for the holiday season, especially the preparation and sense of togetherness it brings.

“One of the best parts of Christmas is the preparation and anticipation, everyone coming together to get ready for the holiday,” Williams said.

She also expressed gratitude for the ground teams who support them, especially during the holidays. “There’s a huge team on the ground supporting us in mission control around the world. I want to thank them for their sacrifices,” she added.

A Milestone in Space

With over 321 days already spent in space, Williams continues to make history as one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts. As the ISS conducts vital scientific research, the Expedition 72 crew remains dedicated to advancing humanity’s understanding of life beyond Earth.