Sunita Williams is an American astronaut and former U.S. Navy officer of Indian-Slovenian descent, known for her contributions to space exploration. Born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, Williams earned a degree in physical science from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 and later became a helicopter pilot. After earning her master's degree in engineering management, she was selected for NASA's astronaut program in 1998.
Williams has completed two spaceflights, both aboard the International Space Station (ISS), logging over 321 days in space. During her first mission in 2006-2007, she set records for the most spacewalks (seven) and the longest cumulative spacewalking time for a woman at that time. Her second mission was in 2012. She has conducted experiments, performed maintenance, and served as the commander of Expedition 33.
Beyond her technical expertise, Williams is known for her passion for education and inspiring the next generation of explorers. She has been an advocate for STEM education, particularly encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Speaking on India Today podcast UnPolitics, Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams reflects on her 27-year career and recent retirement announcement during a broadcast from a literature festival in India. Williams addressed media speculation regarding her health during her extended stay on the International Space Station, clarifying that she returned in good health despite the physical challenges of zero gravity.
The top focus of this episode of To The Point is on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s 'dead economy' jibe.
In an exclusive interview with India Today's Preeti Choudhry, space icon Sunita Williams spoke on life beyond active space flight, her love for animals, her bond with Kalpana Chawla and much more.
This special report anchored by Akshita Nandagopal examines the political friction surrounding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the Indian economy. Gandhi characterizes the current fiscal state as a dead economy, citing the impact of 50% US tariffs on Indian textiles under the Trump administration. The program features a debate between BJP’s RP Singh and Congress spokesperson Anshul Avijit regarding infrastructure spending, private investment, and poverty alleviation. Insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos include perspectives from economists like Geeta Gopinath on India’s growth trajectory and data transparency. Additionally, the report features NASA astronaut Sunita Williams reflecting on her 27-year career, her bond with Kalpana Chawla’s family, and the future of lunar exploration. The broadcast also covers the impact of heavy snowfall in Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, which has disrupted flights and road connectivity. This comprehensive coverage bridges domestic economic policy, international trade relations with the United States, scientific milestones, and the logistical challenges posed by winter weather in northern India.
In this Special Report, we focus on the retirement of veteran NASA astronaut Sunita Williams after an illustrious 27-year career. Speaking in New Delhi, Williams described her visit to India as a 'homecoming', reflecting on her deep personal ties to the country where her father was born. During an interactive session, she shared profound life lessons from her time aboard the International Space Station, noting, 'Every person I know is there. Every animal, every plant, everything we know is there, and we're all on this one planet.' Williams, who completed three missions and set multiple human spaceflight records, emphasized how viewing Earth from orbit changes one's perception of global differences. The retired astronaut also met with the family of late fellow astronaut Kalpana Chawla during her stay in the national capital. The programme highlights her historic contributions to space exploration and her reflections on humanity's shared home.
Jahnavi Dangeti, inspired since childhood by her grandmother’s tales of lunar legends and astronauts like Rakesh Sharma, Sunita Williams, and Kalpana Chawla, dreams of becoming India’s first female astronaut. She has now been selected to join the Titan’s Orbital Port Space Station, a U.S.-based project set to launch within the next four years.
NASA scientist Sunita Williams talked about her 286 days in space and described how beautiful India looked from space. India Today's Senior Assistant Editor, Sibu Tripathi, discusses the importance of food in space and how it is stored on space stations.
NASA astronauts return after a nine-month stay on the International Space Station, originally planned for nine days. The crew faced challenges with packaged and freeze-dried food for the extended duration.
NASA astronauts returned after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station, which was originally planned to be nine days. The crew faced challenges with packaged and freeze-dried food for the extended duration.
US President Donald Trump has offered to pay NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Mitch Wilmore for their overtime work in space from his personal funds. The astronauts spent 286 days in space, earning $5 per day in incidentals. Trump also thanked Elon Musk for the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft used to bring the astronauts back to Earth. NASA astronauts typically earn over $1,250 annually without extra payment for overtime, weekends, or holidays.
Floating in zero gravity, starring at Earth from space—Sunita Williams believed in 2016 that more people traveling to space would change perspectives on our planet.
Former Nasa scientist Dr. Ravi Mardasayam discusses Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore's return after 286 days in space.
From carrying Ganesha to space to inspiring young girls in India, Sunita Williams has made the world proud.
Astronaut Sunita Williams has arrived at the Johnson Space Center hours after splashdown for the rehabilitation and recovery process.
Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat celebrated her and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore's safe return to earth early on Wednesday morning.
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, safely returned to Earth on Wednesday after an unexpected 286-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially planned as a short 8-day flight, their mission was extended to 9 months due to technical issues with their spacecraft. Despite the challenges, Williams and Wilmore demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying them touched down off the Florida coast at 3.30 am on Wednesday.
After spending nine unexpected months in space, astronaut Sunita Williams is finally returning to Earth—but the real challenge begins now. From muscle loss to balance issues and even psychological shifts, life back on Earth won't be the same. How will she recover?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Sunita Williams and Crew-9 for their successful space mission. He welcomed their return to Earth, highlighting their grit, courage, and determination. Modi emphasised the importance of space exploration in pushing human potential. He commended the team's perseverance and the efforts of those who ensured their safe return. The Prime Minister's message underscored the significance of this achievement in inspiring millions worldwide.
NASA's Starliner spacecraft safely splashed down off the Florida coast, ending a nine-month mission. The crew, including astronaut Sunita Williams, returned after an extended stay on the International Space Station. Dolphins near the splashdown site added a unique touch to the landing. The mission provides valuable insights for future space projects, including India’s Gaganyaan.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully splashed down off the Florida coast, concluding a 286-day mission for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Williams set a record for the most time spent on spacewalks by a woman. The crew conducted around 150 experiments aboard the International Space Station. Dolphins were seen near the capsule during the splashdown.
