New York/New Delhi: Following Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams' safe return from her extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian space agency ISRO now wishes to utilize her expertise in space exploration.
Williams, along with colleague Butch Wilmore, landed safely from space after nine long months. What began as an eight-day trip, lasted 286 days in space. After several delays, the astronaut duo finally reached Earth, aboard Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
“Welcome back, Sunita Williams! Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement. A testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA's commitment to space exploration!" ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) said in a Post on X. "When Bharat under the leadership of PM (Narendra) Modi is working towards making India a developed country, we wish to utilize your expertise in space exploration," it added.
The White House said that US President Donald Trump fulfilled his promise to "rescue" NASA astronauts Williams and Wilmore, who had been stuck in space for months. "Promise made, promise kept: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA!" the White House said in a post on X.
After returning to Earth, Williams and Wilmore began a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth's gravity after spending nine months in space. Astronauts returning from space often experience physiological changes, including fluid shifts causing puffy faces, muscle atrophy leading to chicken legs, temporary height increase, and reduced bone density.
Meanwhile, Williams’ safe return to Earth brought immense joy to her relatives and villagers in Jhulasan, her ancestral village in Gujarat's Mehsana. As the news surfaced about her safe return, the villagers broke into celebrations by bursting firecrackers and dancing. An Akhand Jyot (eternal lamp) that has been burning continuously for the past nine months in the local temple was lit up to pray for her safe return.
Born in Ohio to parents from India and Slovenia, William, who will turn 60 later this year, has a bachelor’s in physical science from the US Naval Academy and a Master of Science in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology, according to the NASA website.
While in the Navy, Williams logged more than 3,000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft, mostly helicopters. She was selected shortly for the US Naval Test Pilot School. She was selected as an astronaut in 1998 and flew two long-duration expeditions to the station.
