Sunita Williams Retires from NASA After 27 Years of Stellar Service

Career Highlights at a Glance

• 608 days in space across three missions, ranking among the longest-serving astronauts

• Nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, the most by any female astronaut

• ISS Commander during Expedition 33, a rare leadership distinction

• First person to run a marathon in space, blending science with human spirit

GG News Bureau
International Space Station | NASA 21st January : Sunita Williams, one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of human spaceflight, has retired from NASA after an extraordinary 27-year career marked by endurance, leadership, and scientific excellence. NASA confirmed that Williams officially retired on December 27, 2025, bringing to a close a journey that spanned three space missions and a record-setting 608 cumulative days in space.

Announcing her retirement, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described Williams as a trailblazer whose work aboard the International Space Station (ISS) helped shape the future of human exploration. He credited her contributions to advancing science, technology, and operational readiness for the Artemis missions to the Moon and future journeys toward Mars.

Early Life and Personal Roots

Born in Euclid, Ohio, Sunita Williams considers Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. She is the daughter of a neuroanatomist father originally from Jhulasan in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, who later migrated to the United States, and a mother of Slovenian origin. Outside her professional achievements, Williams is known for her grounded personal life, enjoying time with her husband Michael, their dogs, fitness routines, renovation projects, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Three Space Missions, One Historic Legacy

Williams’ spaceflight career began on December 9, 2006, when she launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-116 mission. She later returned on STS-117, serving as a flight engineer during Expeditions 14 and 15. During this period, she completed a then-record four spacewalks, showcasing exceptional technical skill and physical stamina.

Her second mission in 2012 saw her launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a 127-day stay on the ISS as part of Expeditions 32 and 33. She later became commander of Expedition 33, placing her among a select group of women to lead the space station. During this mission, she carried out critical spacewalks to repair a leaking radiator and replace major power components.

The Nine-Month Mission That Redefined Endurance

Williams’ third and longest mission began in June 2024, when she flew aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft with astronaut Butch Wilmore as part of NASA’s Crew Flight Test. Originally planned as a short-duration mission, it extended unexpectedly to nine months. The duo joined Expeditions 71 and 72 before returning safely to Earth in March 2025, further cementing Williams’ reputation for resilience and professionalism.

Beyond Missions: Training and Leadership

Beyond her time in orbit, Williams played a critical role in astronaut training and leadership. She participated in NASA’s NEEMO underwater missions, served as deputy chief of the Astronaut Office, worked as Director of Operations in Star City, Russia, and contributed to helicopter training programmes designed for future Moon landings.