Mar 19, 2025
All About Sunita Williams Three Historic Space Missions
Sunita Williams, a veteran NASA astronaut, has embarked on multiple space missions, setting records and inspiring future explorers
Born to Indian-American parents, Williams became a naval officer and later a NASA astronaut, making history with her achievements in space
First Mission – Expedition 14/15 (2006-07) Sunita Williams launched aboard STS-116 on December 9, 2006, for her first extended spaceflight. She spent 195 days on the ISS as a Flight Engineer, conducting scientific experiments, spacewalks, and safely returning to Earth on June 22, 2007
Second Mission – Expedition 32/33 (2012) Sunita Williams launched aboard Soyuz TMA-05M on July 14, 2012, serving as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 32 and later becoming Commander of Expedition 33. Across both missions, she conducted 7 spacewalks, totaling 50 hours and 40 minutes, setting a record for female astronauts. She returned to Earth on November 18, 2012
Third Mission – Expedition 71/72 (2024-25) Sunita Williams launched aboard Boeing Starliner (Crew Flight Test) on June 5, 2024, for her third space mission. However, due to technical issues, she and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the ISS for an extended period. After months of uncertainty, they safely returned to Earth on March 18, 2025
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