NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Shares Awe-Inspiring Views of India from Space, Plans Visit to Inspire
From her unique perspective aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams recently marveled at the stunning vistas of India, expressing her eagerness to visit the nation her father once called home. Speaking at a press conference in New York alongside fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, Williams recounted her observations following their return to Earth as part of SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, which concluded on March 18 after an unexpectedly extended nine-month stay in space.
“India offers a remarkable sight from above,” Williams told reporters, describing the towering Himalayas as resembling ripples left by the collision of tectonic plates. She highlighted the vibrant tapestry of lights stretching across the country, from bustling cities to smaller towns, creating a dazzling display visible both day and night. “As we approached from the east, near Gujarat and Mumbai, the fishing fleets off the coast served as a guiding beacon, leading into this incredible network of illumination,” she added.
Williams, born in Ohio to Deepak Pandya—an Indian immigrant from Gujarat—and Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, shares a deep connection to her heritage. Her father moved to the United States in 1958, where he trained as a physician in Cleveland. That personal tie fuels her anticipation for a trip to India, where she hopes to engage with locals and discuss her adventures in space. “I’m looking forward to visiting my father’s homeland and sharing stories with the people there,” she said, her enthusiasm evident.
During the press conference, Williams also spotlighted the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a commercial flight to the International Space Station that will feature Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Hailing from Lucknow, Shukla will become India’s second astronaut to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. “It’s an exciting milestone for India,” Williams noted. “I’d love to meet him and exchange perspectives to inspire as many people as possible in such a vibrant democracy advancing its role in space exploration.”
The Crew-9 mission, originally planned as an eight-day test of Boeing’s Starliner capsule, stretched far beyond its intended duration due to helium leaks and thruster issues that rendered the spacecraft unsafe for return. Williams and Wilmore, both seasoned test pilots, instead came back aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, splashing down off Tallahassee, Florida, alongside NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated their safe return, posting on X, “Welcome back, Crew9! The Earth missed you.” He praised their resilience, calling Williams “a trailblazer and an icon” whose determination exemplifies the essence of space exploration. “Their grit and courage in facing the unknown will inspire millions,” Modi added, commending the team’s safe homecoming as a triumph of precision and passion.
Reflecting on her plans, Williams jokingly assured Wilmore he’d be welcome on her India trip. “You might stand out a bit, but we’ll prep you with some spicy food,” she laughed. As she prepares for her journey, Williams aims to connect with India’s growing space community, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), fostering collaboration and excitement for the cosmic frontier ahead.