After returning to Earth from a nine-month space mission, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams plans an India visit, as confirmed by her family.
New Delhi – March 19, 2025:
After an unexpected nine-month stay in space, Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has finally returned to Earth. Her family has confirmed that she will be visiting India soon, marking a much-anticipated homecoming for the astronaut, who has long been celebrated as an inspiration for millions.
“That moment was surreal,” said her cousin Falguni Pandya, recalling the SpaceX Dragon splashdown off the Florida coast. Speaking to NDTV, Ms. Pandya expressed relief and excitement over Williams’ safe return.
Also Read: Puffy Head, Chicken Legs: Sunita Williams’ Road to Recovery After 9 Months in Space
Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks! pic.twitter.com/M4RZ6UYsQ2
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 18, 2025
India Visit and Family Reunion Planned
- Ms. Pandya confirmed that Sunita Williams will visit India soon and that the family is also planning a vacation together.
- The astronaut had shown keen interest in the Maha Kumbh Mela, asking her cousin for photos and details from her visit to Prayagraj.
- Williams’ birthday in space on September 19 was marked with a special delivery of Kaju Katli, sent by her family.
PM Modi’s Letter Inviting Williams to India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally invited Williams to visit India in a letter dated March 1.
As the whole world waits, with abated breath, for the safe return of Sunita Williams, this is how PM Sh @narendramodi expressed his concern for this daughter of India.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 18, 2025
“Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts,” says PM Sh Narendra Modi’s… pic.twitter.com/MpsEyxAOU9
- PM Modi mentioned that he had inquired about her well-being during meetings with US Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
- He recalled discussing her achievements with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino in Delhi earlier this month.
- “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements,” PM Modi wrote.
- He acknowledged her late father, Deepak Pandya, a Gujarat native, and said he was sure Williams’ mother, Bonnie Pandya, was eagerly awaiting her return.
- Modi concluded by expressing India’s anticipation of hosting one of its “most illustrious daughters” soon.
Also Read: Jhulasan Celebrates Sunita Williams’ Return: “A Proud Moment for India”
In the presence of astronaut Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla's family pic.twitter.com/sPJbrQxdPU
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 6, 2016
Williams’ Nine-Month Space Ordeal
- Williams and Butch Wilmore initially embarked on an eight-day mission to test Boeing’s Starliner but were stranded after the spacecraft developed propulsion issues.
- NASA reassigned them to SpaceX Crew-9, and a relief mission was sent in September 2024 to accommodate the stranded astronauts.
- The astronauts finally returned home on March 19, 2025, after a 17-hour journey aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule.
- Crew-10 has now replaced Crew-9 aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
A Celebrated Homecoming
Williams’ return has been met with widespread celebration, with NASA, SpaceX, and the Indian community lauding her resilience and dedication. As she prepares for her visit to India, she continues to inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts.
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#SunitaWilliams, #NASA, #SpaceX, #IndiaVisit, #PMModi, #AstronautLife, #SpaceExploration, #ISS, #IndianPride, #BoeingStarliner