NASA astronauts Nick Haag and Sunny Williams have successfully completed the first spacewalk of 2025, executing a series of critical tasks outside the International Space Station (ISS) that lasted over six hours. The mission, designated US EVA 91, kicked off at 7:01 AM Central Time and wrapped up just after 1 PM, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the ISS.

The duo tackled four essential objectives, including the replacement of a vital rate gyro assembly, which is crucial for the station’s orientation data. They also removed and replaced a planar reflector, critical for communications with visiting spacecraft, and patched the damaged Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) experiment to ensure its continued functionality. In a remarkable display of teamwork, they even managed to squeeze in additional tasks, taking imagery of an ammonia line and evaluating an articulating portable foot restraint.

As they floated in the vacuum of space, Haag and Williams demonstrated exceptional skill and coordination, executing their assignments with precision. Throughout the mission, they communicated seamlessly with their support team on the ground, who provided real-time guidance and oversight.

After a successful day of work, both astronauts returned to the ISS, where they were welcomed back by fellow crew members. Their accomplishment not only advances the ongoing maintenance of the ISS but also sets the stage for future upgrades, including enhancements to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, which plays a vital role in cosmic research.

This historic spacewalk underscores NASA’s commitment to maintaining the ISS and expanding our understanding of the universe. As the astronauts debrief and prepare for their next mission, the world watches in anticipation of what lies ahead in humanity’s journey into space.