Fri Sep 13 09:47:54 UTC 2024: ## Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to Address Earth from Space Station
**Houston, TX** – Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Barry “Butch” Wilmore will hold a news conference from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, September 13, NASA announced. The event, scheduled for 2:15 p.m. EDT (11:45 p.m. IST), will be broadcast live on NASA+, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.
Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed mission. However, due to technical concerns, NASA decided to bring Starliner back to Earth uncrewed. The spacecraft landed safely at White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico, on September 6 after over three months in space.
Despite the early return of Starliner, Williams and Wilmore remain on the ISS as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew. They are expected to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
**Polaris Dawn Crew Makes History with First Commercial Spacewalk**
In related news, the crew of Polaris Dawn, a privately funded mission led by SpaceX, completed the first commercial spacewalk. Commander Jared Isaacman and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis, wearing newly designed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, exited their spacecraft while traveling at 17,500 mph in an elliptical orbit.
The spacewalk was a major milestone for the Polaris Program, which aims to advance human spaceflight. Isaacman and Gillis tested the suits’ mobility and thermal systems before safely returning to the Dragon capsule.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the achievement, calling it “a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry.”
**Strand Life Sciences Introduces New Cancer Genetic Test**
In a separate development, Strand Life Sciences has introduced the SA74 LB Test, utilizing UMIs to precisely identify genetic variations in cancer patients’ blood samples. The test covers 74 crucial genes and provides reliable and sensitive results, aiding in treatment decisions. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to tissue biopsy and aims to make genetic testing more accessible and beneficial for patients.
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