NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore made a spectacular return to Earth after spending nearly 10 months in space. Their mission, originally scheduled for just eight days, turned into a 286-day-long space odyssey due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The duo splashed down off the Florida coast, concluding their extended mission after completing 4,576 orbits around Earth and covering 195 million kilometers.

Unexpected Challenges in Space

Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when the spacecraft’s thruster malfunctioned, making it unsafe for an immediate return. With every passing day, anticipation and concern grew worldwide as NASA worked on resolving the issues. Despite the prolonged stay, both astronauts remained cheerful and resilient, showcasing remarkable endurance in the face of uncertainty.

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PM Modi’s Special Message for Sunita Williams

Recognizing her remarkable journey, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned an inspiring letter to Williams. He praised her fortitude and perseverance, emphasizing how 1.4 billion Indians took immense pride in her achievements. Modi also recalled meeting her late father, Deepak Pandya, during his 2016 visit to the United States, expressing gratitude for her contributions.

Jhulasan Village Prays for Their ‘Daughter’

Williams’ ancestral village, Jhulasan, in Gujarat, came alive with prayers as residents lit an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) for her safe return. The emotional connection between Sunita Williams and her Indian roots was evident, as people eagerly followed her journey and celebrated her homecoming.

India’s Google Searches Reflect National Curiosity

As Williams prepared for her return, Indians flooded Google with questions about her mission. Some of the top searches included:

  • “Sunita Williams salary in Indian rupees”
  • “Sunita Williams kahan gayi thi?” (Where did Sunita Williams go?)
  • “Sunita Williams return video”

Her GS-15 ranking in the US pay scale means she earns between ₹1 crore to ₹1.4 crore annually, with an additional ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore for her extended stay.

Breathtaking Return to Earth

The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the astronauts descended with four massive orange-and-white parachutes, creating a stunning visual as it touched the Atlantic Ocean. NASA’s official Instagram post described the moment as “framed by a light blue sky and tranquil azure sea.” The safe return of Williams and Wilmore was met with relief and joy worldwide.

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A Record-Breaking Career

At 59 years old, Sunita Williams has now spent a total of 608 days in space across her three missions. She also holds the record for the most spacewalk hours by a female astronaut—62 hours and 6 minutes.

A Joyful Homecoming

After a long wait, Williams’ family expressed their gratitude and happiness. Her sister, Falguni Pandya, shared her emotions, stating, “It was a long wait, but I was never nervous. I just prayed and made a vow to visit the temple once she returned safely.”

With her successful return, Sunita Williams has once again cemented her legacy as a spaceflight pioneer, inspiring millions across the globe.