When did Sunita Williams return?
Sunita Williams, as part of SpaceX Crew-9 mission, returned on a Dragon spacecraft called “Freedom” around 3:30 am IST on Mach 19. She was accompanied by Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Sunita Williams return video
The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, dubbed Freedom, completed its re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere and deployed parachutes for a gentle splashdown at 5:57 PM (2157 GMT) on Tuesday (3.27 am IST) on Wednesday. Tap here to watch the splashdown!
Who is Sunita Williams?
Sunita Williams is an Indian-American NASA astronaut with a history of record and achievements.
When did Sunita Williams go to space?
Sunita Williams launched into space, along with Butch Wilmore, on a Boing Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024. It was Starliner’s first crewed flight. The mission was called the Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT).
Why Sunita Williams ‘stuck’ in space?
First, NASA has maintained that she was not “stuck” or “stranded” in space. The space agency had a lifeboat ready at all times to rescue the two Starliner astronauts. They were just waiting for the right time to bring them back.
Initially expected to last just a week, their Starliner mission was extended to more than nine months due to issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule, which delayed their return.
Sunita Williams Live Updates: Follow NASA’s SpaceX Rescue Mission Bringing Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Back to Earth. Stay updated with the latest developments here.
Sunita Williams Live: ‘Your return is more than a homecoming’, says TN Guv
Sunita Williams Live: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ return to earth after the scientific mission to the space station was more than a homecoming. It was a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi said on Wednesday.
Welcoming Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their successful mission, the Governor said months in the unforgiving expanse of space tested the limits of endurance, adaptability and resolve. “Yet you conquered every challenge with unwavering determination and resilience,” Ravi said.
In a post on the Raj Bhavan’s official handle, the Governor said, “Your return is more than a homecoming; it is a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement. May your journey ahead open new frontiers and inspire future explorers to push the boundaries of the cosmos.”
Sunita Williams Live: ‘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.
Sunita Williams Live: Chiranjeevi, R Madhavan and others hail her return to Earth
Sunita Williams Live: “Welcome back home”, actors Chiranjeevi and R Madhavan said on Wednesday as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after a nine-month space exploration mission.
In a post on social media platform X, Chiranjeevi hailed the duo’s return to Earth as both “historic” and “heroic”.
“WELCOME BACK TO EARTH. Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore!! HISTORIC & HEROIC ‘HOME’ COMING!!! Went for 8 Days to Space & Returned after 286 Days, after an Astonishing 4577 orbits around earth !
“Your Story is Unmatchably Dramatic, Utterly Nerve – Wracking , Unbelievably Nail Baiting Thriller & The Greatest Adventure Ever. A True Blue Blockbuster!! More Power To You!!! @Astro_Suni. Kudos to #SpaceXDragon #Crew9 for bringing them back ! #SunitaWilliams (sic),” he wrote.
Madhavan shared a video of Williams coming out of the SpaceX capsule and said the prayers of the whole world have been answered.
“Welcome back to Earth our Dear Dear Sunita Williams. #sunitawilliams ..Our prayers have been answered… so wonderful to see you safe and smiling. After more than 260 uncertain days in space this is all Gods grace and millions of praying souls prayers being answered .. Great Job all at #spacexfalcon9 #nasa AND the entire crew. God bless you,” he said.
Actor and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar said that she has always admired women like Williams.
“Moments like these define humanity! While we make attempts to advance our research and technology, our resilience during difficult times defines us… Welcome back!!” she wrote on X.
“#splashdown,” wrote actor Trisha Krishan on her Instagram Stories.
Sunita Williams Live: Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma ‘wish her good health’
Sunita Williams Live: On NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams’s return to Earth, Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma says, “I would like to give her my best wishes. We wish her good health. We are looking forward to meeting her once she comes to India. We welcome her…”
Sunita Williams Live: NASA astronauts all suited up in official attire, reaches Houston | WATCH
Sunita Williams Live: NASA shared fresh images of the four Crew-9 members as they reach NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Home sweet home. 🏠 NASA’s SpaceX #Crew9 touched down at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field in Houston at 11:19 pm CDT, March 18, after their @Space_Station mission and successful splashdown earlier this afternoon. Welcome home, Butch, Suni, Nick, & Aleksandr!”
