Stuck in space for over nine months, Sunita Williams returns to Earth

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams embarked on what was initially planned as an eight-day mission to the International Space Station. However, unforeseen technical issues with their Boeing spacecraft prolonged her stay to over nine months, making it one of the most challenging missions of her career.

Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, finally bid farewell to the ISS, their home since last June. They departed aboard a SpaceX capsule, accompanied by two other astronauts.

The capsule undocked from the space station on Tuesday and successfully splashed down off the Florida coast on Wednesday morning. After spending 286 days in space, this marked Williams' third spaceflight, bringing her total time in orbit to an impressive 608 days.

Early Life and Multicultural Roots

A former US Navy captain, Williams, 59, was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, to Gujarati father Deepak Pandya, originally from Jhulasan in Mehsana district, and Slovenian mother Ursuline Bonnie Pandya. Proud of her multicultural heritage, she has carried symbols of her background into space, including samosas, a Slovenian flag, and a Ganesha idol on previous missions.

Spacewalking Record and Achievements

During her third mission, which began in June last year, Williams made history by setting a new record for the most time spent spacewalking by a woman. She now holds a total of 62 hours and nine minutes of extra-vehicular activity, surpassing the previous record of 60 hours and 21 minutes held by astronaut Peggy Whitson. She achieved this milestone on January 30.

A Journey from Aviation to Space

Williams had an early passion for science but initially aspired to become a veterinary doctor. However, a visit to the US Naval Academy, where her brother Jay was enrolled, inspired her to pursue a career as a naval officer.

At the time, the Tom Cruise-starrer Top Gun was creating a buzz, and Williams was drawn to aviation. She joined the Naval Aviation Training Command with aspirations of flying combat aircraft but eventually piloted helicopters instead.

Military Career and Path to NASA

After becoming a designated naval aviator in 1989, Williams served with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 in Norfolk, Virginia. She participated in overseas deployments across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf, supporting Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort.

Her leadership skills and ability to perform under extreme conditions paved the way for her selection as a NASA astronaut in 1998. She trained at the Johnson Space Center and later worked in Moscow with the Russian Space Agency on the International Space Station’s development.

Space Missions and Historic Feats

Williams launched on her first space mission on December 9, 2006, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to join ISS Expeditions 14 and 15, spending 195 days in orbit.

She returned to the ISS for a second mission on July 17, 2012, aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, staying for four months before returning to Earth on November 19.

On April 16, 2007, she became the first person to run a marathon in space, completing the Boston Marathon on a treadmill in 4 hours and 24 minutes.

During her second spaceflight in 2012, Williams became the second woman to command the ISS. She managed station operations, completed a triathlon in orbit, and captured an iconic image appearing to "touch" the Sun during a spacewalk.

Connection to India and Recognition

Williams has visited India at least three times, including in 2007 and 2013, following her space missions. She was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2008.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Williams, calling her one of India's "illustrious daughters" and inviting her to visit the country.

Personal Life and Interests

Married to Michael J. Williams, a federal police officer, Sunita is an avid runner, swimmer, and cyclist.

(With PTI inputs)