Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She returned to the planet with a splashdown in the waters off Florida’s coast, bringing her mission to a close after an unexpected prolonged stay.
Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, had originally flown to the ISS in June 2024 to test Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, but complications with the spacecraft’s propulsion system kept them in space much longer than expected. The astronauts were eventually reassigned to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which led them home for their most awaited arrival here.
Sunita Williams’ family in India expects the astronaut for a sweet time in India
According to NDTV, Williams’ family expressed their joy at her safe return. Falguni Pandya, her sister-in-law, said, “That moment was surreal”. She confirmed that Williams would be visiting India soon, adding, “We don’t have exact dates, but she’s definitely going to come to India soon. I hope this year.”
Talking about the astronauts’ return to the Earth, her family living in India sounded excited, happy and eager to spend time together after such a long period apart. “We are also planning on going on vacation together. There is going to be a lot of family time,” she said.
Villagers watch a NASA live stream as they gather to pray for the safe return of NASA astronaut Suni Williams, also known as Sunita Williams, from the International Space Station (ISS), at a temple in her ancestral village Jhulasan in Mehsana district of Gujarat state, India, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)
Sunita’s cousin also shared that she had sent Kaju Katli, a popular Indian sweet, to Williams for her birthday on September 19, when the astronaut celebrated her 59th birthday in space. “She was very excited. She told me to tell her everything about it”, and while the Indian origin astronaut was quite happy eating her favourite Indian sweet in space, we’re sure there will be more when she comes back to her roots in India.
Williams has a deep connection to India
Falguni shared about the astronaut’s special connection to India and said, “India is her father’s ancestral land,” referring to Williams’ father, Deepak Pandya, who hailed from Gujarat. “She feels the love from India and Indians, and I know she will come back. It’s just a matter of timing, schedule and logistics,” as reported by NDTV.
PM Modi writes a special letter for Williams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his admiration for Williams, writing a letter to the astronaut on March 1, expressing how proud the Indian people are of her achievements.
PM Modi wrote, “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.” He also expressed his eagerness to meet Williams, saying, “After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters.
