NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have safely returned to Earth after an extraordinary nine-month stay at the International Space Station (ISS). The pair launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight, reaching the ISS the next day. Originally planned as a week-long mission, their journey was extended due to technical challenges with their Starliner capsule, which postponed their return.

After NASA decided to bring the Starliner back uncrewed, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore became Expedition 71/72 crewmembers. Their return journey was completed aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, marking their safe return in March 2025.

A particular highlight of her journey that has captured public attention is a viral image of a wooden Ganesha idol floating gracefully in zero gravity. Sunita Williams, known for carrying items that connect her to her cultural roots, had taken the Bhagavad-Gita and a Ganesh idol on her mission. She previously stated in a 2016 interview with NDTV that Lord Ganesh serves as her “good luck charm” during her expeditions.

In a touching gesture that demonstrates her strong connection to India, she also captured a breath-taking view of the Kumbh Mela from space, sharing this profound moment with the world.


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Additionally, Sunita Williams holds the distinction of being the first astronaut to enjoy samosas on the ISS, a special treat coordinated through NASA’s care package system. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “I love samosas... my family was somehow able to work with NASA, and it was a nice surprise.”

While some speculated that Williams was “stuck” or “stranded” in space, NASA firmly clarified that safety measures were always in place, including a lifeboat ready for rescue if necessary. The decision to extend her stay was made to ensure her safe return at the most suitable time.

Beyond her professional achievements, Williams also spoke fondly about her close friendship with Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin in space, whom she described as a person of deep kindness and sincerity. “We did a lot of things together... just having Indian parents, you know, lent itself to that connection,” she shared.

As she returns to Earth, her achievements continue to inspire countless individuals worldwide, proving once again that the pursuit of knowledge and discovery knows no boundaries.

Welcome back, Sunita Williams!

Source : Livemint
Image Credit : hinduism_and_science.backup