Celebrated Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, whose achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration, has officially retired from NASA, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 27-year career.
Over nearly three decades, Williams emerged as one of the most accomplished astronauts of her generation, setting multiple records and serving in key leadership roles aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her journey inspired millions across the world and became a source of pride, especially for the global Indian community.
“Space has always been my favourite place,” Williams said in her farewell remarks. “Being an astronaut and having the opportunity to fly to space three times has been an incredible honour. I hope the groundwork we laid has made these bold missions easier. As NASA and its partners move into the next chapter, I am excited to watch history continue to be made.”
Williams’ final mission included Boeing’s challenging Starliner crew flight test, which resulted in an extended stay aboard the ISS. Her retirement follows closely after that of fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, her colleague on the Starliner mission.
She first travelled to space in December 2006 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-116 mission, returning on STS-117 aboard Atlantis as a flight engineer. In 2012, she flew again as part of Expedition 32/33, launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome, spending 127 days in orbit and later serving as Commander of the ISS.
In June 2024, Williams returned to space aboard Boeing’s Starliner for NASA’s Crew Flight Test, once again taking command of the space station during Expedition 72 and completing two spacewalks. She returned safely to Earth in March 2025 as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
Born in Needham, Massachusetts, Williams holds a degree in Physical Sciences from the US Naval Academy and a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
As she steps away from active service, Sunita Williams leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, resilience, and exploration—one that will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
