Sunita Williams’ Cosmic Companions

The NASA astronaut’s fur babies skyrocket to the stars.

Space travel may be a marvel of science, but it comes with its own set of sacrifices. For Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, one of the hardest parts of her nine-month stint aboard the international space station (ISS) was being separated from her cherished dogs, Rotor and Gunner. Despite the awesome views of Earth from orbit, she often longed for the loving presence of her canine companions. Fortunately, her friends at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) had a fantastic idea. Using cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, they created miniature replicas of Rotor and Gunner and sent them to space. Sunita’s spacefaring experience and how her cosmic companions brought comfort and warmth to her is really touching. When Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams embarked on her nine-month mission aboard the International space station (ISS), she left behind all the comforts of home. While she missed her family and the home-made food, it was the absence of her beloved dogs, Rotor and Gunner, that weighed heaviest on her heart.

But thanks to the team at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), a heartfelt solution brought a piece of Earthly warmth to the lonely heart of Sunita Williams. as a long time WHOI corporation member and sister to one of the organization’s communications staff, Sunita remains deeply connected to the WHOI family. and this family went the extra mile to ensure she had furry friends aboard the ISS.

A paw-some surprise

The WHOI’s Advanced Visualization and Scientific Technology (AVAST) team used cutting-edge 3D-printing technology to create lifelike models of Rotor and Gunner. Using photos as reference, the talented WHOI creative team meticulously painted the models to capture the dogs’ distinctive features and personalities. The result? Two adorable replicas of Sunita’s pooches, small enough to float in the microgravity of space. The 3D-printed dogs were carefully  packed and included in a supply shipment to the ISS, arriving just in time as a special Christmas gift.

Bridging space and home

For suni, having Rotor and Gunner’s models aboard the Iss brought immense joy. In photos shared from the station, the models could be seen gently hovering, adding a light-hearted and personal touch to the high-tech surroundings of the space lab. The presence of her dogs, even in miniature form, served as a comforting reminder of home. “It was like having a piece of Earth with me,” Sunita said. “seeing Rotor and Gunner float around made me smile every single day.”

Continuing a Tradition of Space Mementos

WHOI has extended such a thoughtful gesture to astronauts earlier too. Just last year, when Nasa astronaut Loral O’Hara launched to the ISS, WHOI presented her with another special 3D-printed memento. The practice of sending meaningful keepsakes to astronauts is a tradition that reinforces the connection between those venturing into space and their loved ones back on Earth.

A stellar example of innovation and care

Sunita’s experience exemplifies the importance of maintaining emotional connections during long-duration space missions. From celebrating holidays to gazing at Earth from the station’s cupola, the presence of her beloved dogs’ replicas added warmth to her extraordinary journey. It reflects the importance of pets in the life of the human companions and the role of emotional anchors which they play.

Homeward Bound

Now back on Earth, suni has reunited with the real Rotor and Gunner, undoubtedly showered with joyful tail wags and happy barks. Though the models served as a comforting presence in space, nothing beats the feeling of being home with her faithful fur babies.

Sunita’s story is a testament to the enduring power of companionship and the creative ways we find to stay connected, even across the vast expanse of the universe. and for Rotor and Gunner? They may never set paw in space, but their likenesses have truly achieved out-of-this-world status and got them a coveted place in the annals of space history.