Sat Sep 14 05:46:52 UTC 2024: ## Astronauts Vote from Space, Emphasize Civic Duty During Extended Mission

**Houston, TX** – NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS), are preparing to participate in the upcoming US presidential elections, despite being over 250 miles above Earth. Their stay on the ISS has been extended until at least February 2025, allowing them to exercise their voting rights from space.

During a recent press conference, Williams and Wilmore, who are part of the Expedition 71/72 crew, expressed their enthusiasm for participating in the November elections. “I sent down my request for a ballot today,” Wilmore said. “Voting is a crucial role for citizens, and NASA makes it easy for us to participate.”

This is not the first time astronauts have voted from space. Since 1997, thanks to a Texas law, NASA employees have been able to cast their ballots from orbit. Williams and Wilmore, both veterans of multiple space missions, are embracing the challenges of their extended stay while acknowledging the importance of their civic duty.

“Space is my happy place,” Williams said, describing her experience on the ISS. Wilmore, however, acknowledged the difficulties of their extended mission, emphasizing the need for resilience and dedication.

The duo will return to Earth in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members on NASA’s Crew-9 mission.

Meanwhile, the US government has launched a new toll system using GPS technology to improve toll collection on highways and expressways. The system includes a “zero user fee” for short trips and a pay-as-you-go system for longer distances. Vehicles will need an OBU device and designated lanes for faster operation. The system will work with FASTag to reduce waiting time and increase transparency and efficiency.

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