Nasa astronauts (clockwise from bottom left) Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit wish a Happy Thanksgiving in this video. (Photo: Nasa)

Sunita Williams celebrates Thanksgiving with a smoked turkey meal in space

Sunita Williams noted that Nasa has prepared a Thanksgiving-inspired menu to ensure they can celebrate the occasion meaningfully.

by · India Today

In Short

  • The astronauts will take a break from their rigorous work schedule
  • They will relax and connect with family members on Earth via video calls
  • Williams expressed gratitude for her family

Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams is celebrating Thanksgiving in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) alongside her fellow crew members.

Williams, who has been living and working in microgravity for nearly six months, shared her excitement about the holiday festivities planned for November 28, 2024. In a video message, she emphasized that despite being far from Earth, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains strong among the astronauts.

This year, Williams and her colleagues, including Barry "Butch" Wilmore enjoyed a special meal featuring traditional dishes such as smoked turkey, cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, and apple cobbler.

Williams noted that they have prepared a Thanksgiving-inspired menu to ensure they can celebrate the occasion meaningfully. "We have a bunch of food that we've packed away that is Thanksgiving-ish," she remarked, reassuring those concerned about their supplies.

The astronauts will take a break from their rigorous work schedule to relax and connect with family members on Earth via video calls.

Williams expressed gratitude for her family and the opportunity to live and work in space, stating that she feels fortunate to be in her "happy place." The crew's celebration will include watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition for many Americans.

In addition to enjoying their festive meal, the astronauts are also focused on their ongoing mission objectives, which include advancing scientific knowledge and developing new technologies for future exploration missions.

This Thanksgiving marks an important moment for them to reflect on their experiences and the support they receive from mission control and their families back home.

As they gather in the unique environment of the ISS, Williams conveyed her heartfelt message and gratitude for people supporting her and the crew on the mission.

The astronauts are committed to making the most of their time in space while cherishing the connections they maintain with loved ones on Earth.