Sunita Williams News: Sunita Williams went to space for just 8 days. But now she has stayed in space for 9 months. In such a situation, the question arises that how much money will NASA pay her for this. Let's know in this news... Read more
Sunita Williams News: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the International Space Station (ISS) on an eight-day mission, but due to technical problems they had to spend more than nine months there. In such a situation, the question is bound to arise that how much money will they get for this unexpected stay in space. Let us tell you the calculation of this in this news.
According to retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, astronauts do not receive overtime pay. Since they are federal employees, the time spent in space is treated like normal government travel. During this time, they continue to receive regular salary and NASA bears their living expenses. However, they also receive a daily allowance, which is about Rs 347 per day.
How much money will Sunita Williams get?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore fall in the GS-15 pay grade. This is the highest level for federal employees. Employees in this grade receive an annual salary between Rs 1.08 crore and Rs 1.41 crore. For a 9-month stay on the ISS, they will receive an estimated salary between Rs 81 lakh and Rs 1.05 crore.
Preparations for returning home
The US space agency NASA says the astronauts are not actually "stranded" because they are working on the ISS. Nevertheless, preparations are underway for their return. They are expected to return to Earth before March 19 via the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. For this, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has been launched from the Kennedy Space Center, which also has four new crew members.
PC: News18