Stranded Astronauts Celebrate Christmas on ISS: 'Look at What a Feast!''
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World
December 24, 2024 17:50
international space station (iss) - Two American astronauts, who were supposed to return to Earth in June, are now celebrating Christmas aboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA shared a video of the celebration on their platform X.
Seven astronauts, including the stranded American space travelers Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, are currently celebrating Christmas about 400 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The festive atmosphere is evident with upright Santa hats and floating candy canes, making it a unique Christmas celebration. Despite the unusual setting, Williams, sporting reindeer antlers, expressed her excitement for the Christmas preparations in space.
Another astronaut held up a plastic package full of parcels and bags exclaiming, 'Look at what a feast we have here!'
However, toasting the new year won't be possible for the astronauts as alcohol is prohibited on the ISS to prevent any disruption to the recycling system.
Recently, it was announced that the space mission of the two stranded astronauts has been extended until spring. NASA had previously stated in September that Wilmore and Williams would have to remain in the ISS until February. The duo flew to the space station ten months ago in a Starliner capsule manufactured by Boeing.
Due to issues with the Starliner, they were unable to return as there were concerns about the spacecraft not having enough thrust to leave Earth's orbit.