NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, of Indian origin, has retired after a remarkable 27-year career. She logged 608 days in space, commanded the International Space Station (ISS), and completed nine spacewalks across three missions. Her retirement marks the close of one of NASA’s most inspiring chapters, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and pioneering achievements.
NASA has announced the retirement of veteran astronaut Sunita Williams, effective December 2025. Williams, 60, is celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to human spaceflight, including commanding the ISS and participating in Boeing’s Starliner test flight. Her career exemplifies courage, endurance, and dedication to advancing space exploration.
Key Highlights
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Career Span: 27 years of service at NASA, joining in 1998.
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Space Missions: Three ISS missions, including Expedition 14/15 (2006–07), Expedition 32/33 (2012), and the Starliner test flight (2024–25).
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Time in Space: Logged 608 days, among the highest for female astronauts.
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Spacewalks: Nine, totaling 62 hours, a record for women.
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Leadership: One of the few women to command the ISS.
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Recent Mission: Starliner test flight stretched from 10 days to nine months due to technical delays.
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Legacy: A trailblazer for women and Indian-origin astronauts, inspiring future generations.
Williams’ retirement closes a remarkable chapter in NASA’s history, but her legacy will continue to inspire space explorers worldwide.
Sources: Times of India, Indian Express, NDTV