Sunita Williams Highlights: ISRO, PM Modi hail Sunita Williams’ return

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Sunita Williams’ space journey ultimate guide: In the last two days, the online search for Sunita Williams, as per Google trends, touched 2 million. As her space journey came to an end, here’s a detailed recap about Sunita Williams and her Starliner, SpaceX missions. Tap here to read full story

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended a warm welcome to Sunita Williams after her return from the extended expedition in space aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Indian-descent American astronaut, Sunita Williams, returned safely to earth in the early hours of Wednesday India time—after being stuck in space for more than nine months. Williams' cousin Pandya told News 18, Sunita loves Indian food, "we will visit India again once she returns," she said. “Sunita is a proud daughter of Gujarat, and her village, Jhulasan, is celebrating her return," Pandya stated. Read more here

Known for her record-breaking accomplishments, Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, to Mumbai Indian-American neuroanatomist Deepak Pandya and Slovene-American Ursuline Bonnie (Zalokar) Pandya.

She was selected as an astronaut by the US space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in June 1998. She received her commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987. Tap here to read more

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) called NASA astronaut Sunita William's safe return “a remarkable achievement”. The Indian space agency hailed the astronaut's return on Wednesday and said, “We wish to utilise your expertise in space exploration.” Tap here to read full story

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Hardeep Singh Puri posted on X, "Even when she was thousands of miles away for more than nine months on ISS, she was close to our hearts. 140 billion Indians joined the world in praying for her safe return. Young people around the world drew immense inspiration from the fortitude and perseverance with which she kept her chin up and continued with her good work for the betterment of humankind despite being personally stuck in an unpredictable situation.

Today, as she splashed down and emerged out of the spacecraft, waving with a smile, she made us all proud.

Welcome home to Planet Earth Sunita Williams!

Your undaunted efforts will certainly help us make this world an even better place and give wings to our aspirations to go beyond the stars."

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said, "Congratulations to the NASA team and Elon Musk's SpaceX team. India was worried about Sunita William, who is of Indian origin."

 Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Anand Mahindra shared a 2023 selfie with Sunita Williams, Mukesh Ambani and Vrinda Kapoor. The picture was taken during the India-US Hi-Tech Handshake event in Washington that year. Tap here to read full report

Actor R Madhavan took to Instagram to share his heartfelt excitement as astronaut Sunita Williams safely returned to Earth after an intense space mission.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Madhavan expressed his joy, writing, "Welcome back to Earth our Dear Dear Sunita Williams. Our prayers have been answered... so wonderful to see you safe and smiling."

Madhavan further acknowledged the immense challenges faced during her 260-day mission in space, adding, "After more than 260 uncertain days in space, this is all God's grace and millions of praying souls' prayers being answered."

"Great Job all at #spacexfalcon9 #nasa AND the entire crew. God bless you," he wrote.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Andhra Pradesj CM Chandrababu Naidu said, “Glad to see astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore return safely to Earth. Their journey back shows exemplary human determination and teamwork. I applaud everyone who made it possible and salute the astronauts for their strength and perseverance. Wishing them good health! @Astro_Suni”

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Miss World Manushi Chhillar said, “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 #SunitaWilliams Welcome back!!”

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Defence Minister Rajnath SIngh posted on X, "Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s #Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space.

Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud.

Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on earth."

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams may visit India soon, NDTV cited Williams' cousin Falguni Pandya as saying in an interview on Wednesday.

"We are also planning on going on vacation together. There is going to be a lot of family time," Pandya said on Sunita Williams' returning home after 286 days in space. Tap here to read full report

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Apollo 11 astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin poste don X, "Congratulations to @SpaceX for bringing back @NASA Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams following their unexpected, extended mission aboard the @Space_Station! These astronauts’ steady poise and professionalism over the last several months are to be commended. We’re glad to have you home! #AProudSalute.”

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: 'We always had a lifeboat', a NASA official said while adding that they were waiting for “right time for their” return.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: COL Anne McClain, Crew-10's commander, posted on X, "This morning we shared coffee and “good mornings” with Crew-9, and tonight we are absolutely thrilled to see them safely back on Earth! Mission accomplished, Crew-9!"

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Crew-9 splashed down safely in the water off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Hague, Gorbunov, Williams, and Wilmore have returned to Earth from a long-duration science expedition aboard the space station.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Fast boats raced to the capsule for initial safety checks as Crew-9 landed on Earth. It will soon be followed by a recovery vessel that will retrieve the crew before they are flown to Houston to begin a 45-day rehabilitation program. Tap here to read details

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Sunita Williams and three other Crew-9 members will return to their families in a day or two, NASA said in a media briefing on March 19.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Leaders from NASA and SpaceX are sharing the latest updates following Crew-9's safe return to Earth earlier this evening.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Back home in Houston, “@NASAFltDirector Greg Whitney and flight control teams monitored the re-entry and splashdown of NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 after their long-duration mission to the International @Space_Station.”

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Here's first look at Sunita Williams after her return from space.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: “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,” White House posted on X.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Astronauts are now being pulled out of the SpaceX Crew-9 spacecraft Freedom.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: SpaceX Crew-9 is finally back on Earth, watch the incredible splashdown video here:

Teams on the SpaceX recovery ship, aided by two fast boats, are securing the Dragon spacecraft for a safe recovery.

The recovery ship will position itself to hoist the Dragon onto its main deck with the Crew-9 astronauts still inside.

Once on the main deck, the astronauts will exit the spacecraft and undergo medical checks.

After medical evaluations, the crew will take a short helicopter ride to a plane bound for NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. (NASA update)

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, have safely splashed down.

The splashdown took place in the Gulf of America, off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

The crew’s return marks the successful conclusion of their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Parachutes have been deployed, slowing down the Dragon capsule as it nears splashdown. Parachutes deployement is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and controlled descent. This allows the spacecraft to slow down enough for a gentle splashdown in the ocean.

Splashdown is just moments away as the Dragon capsule nears its final descent. The astronauts aboard are preparing for a landing after their journey back to Earth.

The Dragon capsule's nose-cone has been sealed in preparation for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

The spacecraft will descend over southern Mexico and Central America before splashing down off the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

The crew is now just 15 minutes away from their splashdown. The de-orbit burn has been successfully completed. 

Final preparations are underway as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft nears its return to Earth. The astronauts are on track for a safe landing off the coast of Florida.

NASA said:

Four minutes before splashdown, the drogue parachutes will deploy at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet while Dragon is traveling at around 350 miles per hour.

Main Parachutes Deployment: Less than a minute later, the main parachutes will deploy at about 6,000 feet in altitude, with the spacecraft moving at approximately 119 miles per hour.

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft completed its deorbit burn at 5:18 p.m. EDT, NASA stated in its update.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, are less than an hour from splashdown off Florida’s coast.

SpaceX wrote on X: "Dragon’s trunk has been jettisoned and the deorbit burn will begin soon"

(After Dragon reenters Earth's atmosphere, it will splash down off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee at ~5:57 p.m. ET (3:27 am IST, March 19)"

The countdown has officially begun as astronauts are just an hour away from their highly anticipated splashdown.

With final preparations in place, the crew is set to return to Earth. As the clock ticks down, excitement builds for this crucial moment in their journey.

As per NASA update, weather conditions are favorable, with the splashdown site in the Gulf of America near Tallahassee, Florida, cleared for the event.

NASA+ is broadcasting live as astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov approach their splashdown.

As per NASA update, the deorbit burn is scheduled for 5:11 p.m. EDT (2:41 am, March 19, IST)

Splashdown is expected at approximately 5:57 p.m. EDT. (3:27 am, March 19, IST)

NASA Astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are returning to Earth in their @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. #Crew9 splashdown is targeted for 5:57pm ET (3.27 AM on March 19 IST).

The SpaceX Dragon Capsule is a spacecraft developed by SpaceX to carry cargo and astronauts to and from space.

The Dragon spacecraft can carry up to 7 passengers to and from Earth orbit, and beyond.

Cargo Return Capability: It is the only spacecraft currently capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth.

It is the first private spacecraft to transport humans to the space station.

In 2020, SpaceX restored America’s ability to fly NASA astronauts to and from the ISS on American vehicles, ending a gap since 2011.

Besides NASA missions, Dragon can carry commercial astronauts to Earth orbit, the ISS, or beyond.

Equipped with 16 Draco thrusters for orientation, orbit adjustments, and attitude control, each capable of generating 90 pounds of force in the vacuum of space.

Includes two drogue parachutes for stabilization after reentry, and four main parachutes for further deceleration before landing.

“A touching message to Astronaut Sunita Williams from our Hon. PM Modiji. Hon. PM used to enquire with me as well about her safe return which showed genuine concerns for the wellbeing of an India origin daughter. Sunita, we all wait for sharing your experience when you are back,” S Somnath, former ISRO chairman, wrote on X.

“You basically lose the thick part of the skin on your feet. You kind of have baby feet when you come back,” former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao told “NewsNation Prime” on Sunday.

“The foot calluses come back very quickly.” Other effects, once an astronaut gets home, include dizziness and nausea, Chiao said.

“To me, it feels like kind of like having the flu. It takes a couple of weeks to get back to normal,” he said.

A havan (sacred fire ritual) is being performed in Jhulasan, Gujarat, the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams.

Villagers are praying for her safe return to Earth after her nine-month mission at the International Space Station (ISS).

The ritual has been ongoing as part of community efforts to ensure a successful splashdown.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is set to return to Earth in just two hours.

After a nine-month mission aboard the ISS, she will splash down off Florida’s coast.

Her ancestral village in Gujarat awaits her safe return with prayers and celebrations.

NASA's live coverage begins shortly on NASA+, YouTube, and X.

According to Sunita Williams' cousin, Navin Pandya, a grand procession will be held in her honour in the astronaut's ancestral village in Jhulasan, accompanied by prayer chanting and fireworks to create a festive atmosphere similar to Diwali and Holi. People will carry Williams' photo in the procession.

"The procession with her photo will be taken out from a school to the temple where the 'Akhand Jyot' is kept, with students joining others. We will perform a dhun (prayer chanting) at the temple," Pandya said on Tuesday.

He said villagers had been offering prayers and lit up 'Akhand Jyot' for the safe return of the astronaut.

"The 'Akhand Jyot' will be lit till Wednesday after Williams safely reached Earth," he said.

As NASA astronaut Sunita Williams prepares to return to Earth after a nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), her ancestral village, Jhulasan in Gujarat, is gearing up for grand celebrations. Residents, with prayers on their lips, are eagerly awaiting her safe arrival, planning a festival-like atmosphere to mark the occasion on Wednesday morning.

The villagers have been maintaining an ‘Akhand Jyot’ (eternal flame) at the Dhola Mata temple for her safe return ever since she departed for space. According to her cousin, Navin Pandya, a grand procession will be held in her honor, with people carrying Williams’ photo through the village, culminating in a prayer ceremony.

"The procession will start from a school and move to the temple where the 'Akhand Jyot' is kept. Students and villagers will take part in the prayer chanting," Pandya said.

Williams’ father, Deepak Pandya, originally hails from Jhulasan and migrated to the United States in 1957. The village takes immense pride in her achievements, considering her a symbol of inspiration.

As per the initial plan, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams arrived at the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner for an eight-day test mission.

Problems with the Starliner spacecraft led to an indefinite extension of their stay.

In August 2024, NASA decided they would return to Earth on a SpaceX capsule instead of Starliner.

The originally short mission turned into a nine-month stay aboard the ISS.

Their return is now happening via a SpaceX capsule after months of delays.

Check out the timeline here

At 1:05 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita (Suni) Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, undocked from the International Space Station's Harmony module aboard SpaceX Dragon.

Real-time audio coverage continues on NASA, including astronaut conversations with mission control.

A live video feed from the space station remains available.

NASA+ will resume live coverage at 4:45 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.

The SpaceX Dragon capsule is expected to splash down at 5:57 p.m. EDT off the coast of Florida.

Crew members will be safely recovered after landing.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter) before departing the International Space Station (ISS) for Earth. Reflecting on his mission and time aboard the orbiting laboratory, Hague expressed gratitude for the experience.

Astronaut Nick Hague wrote on X: "It’s been a privilege to call the @Space_Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected."

Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have left the space station.

They are traveling with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Hague & Gorbunov arrived at the ISS in September aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

NASA originally planned a four-member mission but flew with only two astronauts, leaving two seats available.

Butch and Suni were incorporated into Hague and Gorbunov’s team, Crew-9.

All four astronauts are now flying back to Earth together.