NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are currently stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS), celebrated Christmas in space with Santa hats, sparking several conspiracy theories on social media. Video posted by the US space agency shows Williams wearing a red T-shirt, while three of his colleagues wear Santa hats.
Social media users immediately came up with theories, questioning whether the astronauts knew they would have to stay aboard the ISS for a long period of time.
“You brought Christmas decorations into space months ago?” One user asked. Another said, “Really? How did they know they had all these Christmas decorations when they were only going on an 8 day mission?”
One user asked, “Who delivered the Christmas hats and decorations?? So…you thought far enough ahead to pack them when extra space in the capsule is at such a premium?”
Merry Christmas to everyone on earth @NASA_Astronaut aboard international @space Station, pic.twitter.com/GoOZjXJYLP
– NASA (@NASA) 23 December 2024
Williams and his fellow astronauts have been aboard the ISS since June. What was supposed to be an eight-day ISS mission dragged on for months due to a malfunction of the Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts were to return home in February next year, but that too has been delayed. Now they will return in March.
However, NASA has put an end to the conspiracy theories.
The US space agency told the New York Post that Santa wears a hat. The Christmas tree, and other decorations and gifts, were sent to ISS crew members as part of a three-ton SpaceX delivery in November. The package also contained Christmas food, including ham, turkey, potatoes, vegetables, pie and cookies. In addition some mission-specific and scientific items were also part of the delivery.
It states that the International Space Station is replenished with supplies several times each year.
Merry Christmas to NASA astronauts from space
NASA shared a video showing Williams and others talking about their Christmas plans and wishing well.
“Welcome to the International Space Station as we get ready for the Christmas holidays. It’s a great time here, we get to spend it with our whole ‘family’ on the International Space Station. There are seven of us here and Similarly, Williams said, we are going to enjoy the company together.
She also talked about the things she likes about the occasion and said, “One of the best things about Christmas that I love is the preparation and just getting ready, the anticipation, the gathering of everyone together. Getting and getting stuff done and just getting ready for the holidays.”
