[ad_1]
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who is set to fly into space for the third time on Tuesday, had carried Bhagavad Gita to space in her previous flights.
On Tuesday, when the 58-year-old astronaut flies into space as a pilot in the first crew test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, she will take with her her “lucky charm” – a Lord Ganesha idol.
Williams told NDTV that he is more spiritual than religious.
Also read: Sunita Williams will fly again: Check out details of her third mission to the ISS
She said she will take an idol of Lord Ganesha with her on a commercial crew flight, NDTV reported, adding that Ganesha is good luck to her and she is happy to have Lord Ganesha with her in outer space.
According to the report, although she is a little worried, she has no nervousness about flying in the new spacecraft. “When I get to the International Space Station, it will be like coming home.”
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will fly to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The spacecraft will carry Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS. It will take off on Tuesday at 8:04 am Indian time.
The mission has been delayed for several years due to setbacks in spacecraft development.
Also read: NASA to launch Starliner mission crewed with experienced astronauts
“We are all here because we are all ready. Our friends and family have heard about it and we’ve talked about it and they’re happy and proud that we’re part of the process of fixing it.” BBC Williams is quoted as saying.
If successful, Boeing would become the second private firm after Elon Musk’s SpaceX capable of providing crew transportation to and from the ISS.
“Design and development is hard — especially with human spaceflight,” Mark Nappi, Boeing vice president and Starliner program manager, said during a news briefing Thursday.
Unlock a world of benefits! From informative newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and personalized newsfeeds – it’s all here, just a click away! log in now!
Catch all business news, market news, breaking news events and latest news updates on Live Mint. Download Mint News app to get daily market updates.
more less
Published: 06 May 2024, 06:47 PM IST
[ad_2]
