Sunita Williams Returns to Earth After 9 Months, Plans to Visit India
Florida, 19 March – (www.deccanlive.com): Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has safely returned to Earth after spending nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). Sunita and her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, successfully landed off the coast of Florida in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Sunita’s family and her hometown in Gujarat, India, are very happy about her safe return. Her cousin, Falguni Pandya, called it an “unforgettable moment.”
Sunita’s Journey to ISS
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore began their journey to the ISS on June 5, 2024, as part of Boeing Starliner’s first human mission. The mission was initially planned for only a few days, but technical problems with the Starliner delayed their return, forcing them to stay on the ISS for nine months. Eventually, NASA arranged a special return flight through the SpaceX-NASA Crew-9 mission, and the Crew-10 team prepared the ISS for their departure.
Plans to Visit India
Falguni Pandya confirmed that Sunita Williams will soon visit India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent a letter to Sunita, congratulating her on her successful mission. He wrote, “1.4 billion Indians are proud of your achievements. Your courage and determination have inspired the world once again.” He also mentioned that during his meetings with U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, he inquired about Sunita’s well-being.
Future Space Missions
When asked if Sunita Williams will go back to space or attempt to become the first person to land on Mars, her cousin said that it depends on Sunita’s choice. “She is an inspiration to all of us,” Falguni said. Sunita’s hometown, Jhulasan in Mehsana district, Gujarat, is celebrating her return. Her father, Deepak Pandya, was born in Jhulasan and moved to the United States in 1957.
Emotional Family Reunion
Prime Minister Modi mentioned in his letter that Sunita’s mother, Bonnie Pandya, had been eagerly waiting for her return. He also remembered Sunita’s late father, Deepak Pandya, and expressed confidence that his blessings were with her. Sunita’s safe return is a proud moment for India and the global scientific community. Now, everyone is looking forward to her upcoming visit to India.
