NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded on the International Space Station (ISS), celebrated this Christmas in a special way. In the pictures of the celebration, we can see that Sunita Williams and Butch are also wearing Santa hats. Also, other Christmas decorations are also visible in the photo. While on one hand these pictures have brought happiness on the faces of the people, on the other hand, it has also given rise to a new controversy on social media.

Debate sparked on social media

NASA uploaded pictures of Sunita Williams and her colleagues in space wearing Santa hats. Users are now reacting differently to these pictures. Users questioned the pictures and asked whether Sunita Williams had taken a Christmas hat and other items for celebration with her. This means that she was sent on a long mission and this fact was hidden. Another user said, are these the same people who went for an 8-day mission in June?

After this new controversy emerged, NASA has also given its response on this. 

What did NASA say in its response?

NASA dismissed these allegations and clarified that the delivery of fresh goods sent to the ISS included Christmas decorations, special gifts and festive food. This delivery was made through a SpaceX in late November. NASA said that every year fresh rations and essential materials as well as special items for festivals are sent to the ISS.

Goods were sent for the astronauts

The package sent for the seven astronauts and cosmonauts on the ISS included delicious food items like ham, turkey, vegetables, pies and cookies. Apart from this, Santa hats and a small Christmas tree were also sent. Sunita and Butch shared their Christmas video online with these decorations.

the way back was postponed again

The return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore has been postponed once again. They are now expected to return by the end of March 2025 on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule. Earlier, their return was scheduled for February 2025.

Sunita celebrated Thanksgiving

Earlier, the astronauts on the ISS also celebrated Thanksgiving Day with great pomp . Now they are celebrating Christmas and New Year there. Sunita and Butch went for a journey of only eight days, but due to technical and other obstacles, they are forced to spend almost a year in space. Their return schedule has now been postponed till 2025.