NPR

A NASA Astronaut Stays In Orbit With SpaceX And Boeing

Sunita Williams was the second female commander of the International Space Station. Now, she says her new job working with private companies to develop space technologies feels like a new frontier.
Sunita Williams conducts routine maintenance aboard the International Space Station. The astronaut now helps Boeing and SpaceX develop private spacecraft.

Sunita Williams wasn't the kind of kid who wanted to be an astronaut when she grew up. She wanted to be a veterinarian. But she managed to achieve the former kid's dream job, anyway.

Williams, 52, has completed two missions to the International Space Station, spending over 11 months orbiting the Earth in total. She holds the record by a female astronaut, having spent 50 hours and 40 minutes outside the International Space Station. She's continued her career in space on Earth as a member of NASA's Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap), a group of veteran astronauts that works with privately-held

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