After spending 286 days in space, completing 4,577 orbits around the Earth, and travelling 195.2 million kilometres, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has safely returned to Earth and splashed down off the coast of the American state of Florida early on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams’ cousin, Falguni Pandya, expressed her joy and said that she was happy on her sister’s return. “That moment was surreal,” Falguni said in an exclusive interaction with NDTV.
Falguni also informed that Williams will soon visit India and the family has planned to go on a vacation. “We are also planning on going on vacation together. There is going to be a lot of family time,” she said on Williams’ return.
When asked if Williams would return to space or be the first person to land on Mars, Falguni stated that it would be “her choice.” Reflecting on Williams’ extended stay at the space station, her cousin praised the 59-year-old astronaut, saying she “makes the best” of every situation she faces.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, 62, had flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 last year, on what was supposed to be a days-long roundtrip to test out Boeing’s Starliner on its first crewed flight. However, the spaceship developed propulsion problems and was deemed unfit to fly back and instead returned uncrewed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also written to Williams and said that he is looking forward to seeing her in India. In a letter dated March 1, which was shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, PM Modi said he had inquired about the well-being of Ms Williams when he met US President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, during his visits to the US.
Sunita Williams Returns: Social media reactions
Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar also joined in, calling Williams an inspiration. “Moments like these define humanity! While we make attempts to advance our research and technology, our resilience during difficult times defines us. Have always looked up to women such as Sunita Williams. Welcome back!” she said.
Sunita Williams Live: ‘Welcome home!’, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Sunita Williams Live: “We are thrilled to welcome back India’s illustrious daughter, Sunita Williams, after her stellar journey in space!
Heartfelt congratulations to the fearless Crew-9 astronauts and the brilliant minds behind this mission’s success.
This remarkable feat stands as a shining testament to human spirit, courage, and commitment. Your inspiring journey fills 1.4 billion Indians with immense pride.
Welcome home!,” posts UP CM Yogi Adityanath on X
‘Mamata Banerjee hails ‘human glory’ in astronauts’ return
Sunita Williams Live: Describing NASA astronaut Sunita Williams as “daughter of India”, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hailed the return of the space explorer and others after being stranded for nearly nine months.
“Welcome Sunita Williams and other astronauts back to Earth, finally and safely, after so many days. Our daughter of India returns to us, and we are deeply deeply happy and elated. We are profoundly happy for other returnees also. Hail their courage, hail their return, hail human glory!” Banerjee said in a post on X.
“I congratulate the rescue team for their overwhelming support and success,” she added.
‘Welcome Back to Earth, Sunita Williams!’, Indian National Congress celebrates her safe return
Sunita Williams Live: On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend our warmest felicitations and heartfelt good wishes upon your safe and successful return to Earth with NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore. The safe conclusion of your extended mission has brought a sense of relief and elation to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, who are immensely proud of your remarkable accomplishments in space, INC President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X.
