(March 19, 2025) Sunita Williams has safely landed back on Earth, and what an incredible journey it has been! After spending nine long months on the International Space Station, she and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have finally returned home. What was meant to be an eight-day mission took an unexpected turn when technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule left them stranded until NASA arranged for them to join SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. Their Dragon spacecraft undocked before dawn from the ISS, kicking off a dramatic return that has captured everyone’s attention, and in the wee hours of Wednesday splashed down off the Florida coast.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore
Adding to the celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt letter to Sunita.
“Over 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance. After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its illustrious daughters.” — PM Modi
When Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams boarded Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, 2024, little did she know that she would end up spending 287 days in space. But those days at ISS has served as an inspiration for the astronaut. “This has been Butch and mine third flight to the ISS. We helped put it together, we have been up here watching it change. Just living here gives us a unique perspective – not just outside the window, obviously – but on how to solve problems. I don’t want to lose that spark of inspiration and perspective when I leave so I am going to bottle it up, somehow,” she said.
Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks! pic.twitter.com/M4RZ6UYsQ2
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 18, 2025
Dr. Kavya Manyapu’s Enduring Bond with Sunita Williams
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return has been amazing, especially after spending over 250 days in space — a truly impressive feat. For months, people waited with bated breath for their safe return, and among them was Sunita’s friend Dr Kavya K Manyapu. It was in 2007 that Indian-American aerospace engineer and NASA space scientist, Dr Kavya K Manyapu met astronaut Sunita Williams for the first time at the 66th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Hyderabad, and she was over the moon.
Working for Lockheed Martin back then, Dr Kavya struck a rapport with Sunita almost instantly. Both exchanged notes about the advancements in aerospace and bid goodbye to each other. That was just the beginning of a long association, both on personal and professional front, between Dr Kavya and Sunita Williams.
Dr Kavya Manyapu with Sunita Williams
Ever since she was launched into space on June 5, 2024, the good old memories of the time spent with Sunita Williams, has been playing out in Dr Kavya’s mind endlessly. After all, the astronauts were part of Boeing’s first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft, on which Dr Kavya worked for almost 10 years during her 12 year stint with Boeing. “I got to train Sunny (Sunita) along with other astronauts. Those moments I will cherish forever,” smiles Dr Kavya, in an exclusive chat with Global Indian, hours before Sunita and her colleague Barry Wilmore touched down on earth after getting stuck in space for nine months.
From Launch to Docking: A Flight Test That Became a Lesson for All
“Stuck? No. Sunny had a great time up there and I was communicating with her. It was a flight test which obviously means that you (astronauts) are expected to learn from the experiences,” says Dr Kavya, who was closely associated with the Starliner, right from the power point presentation days right upto it’s launch.
The company (Boeing) and agency (NASA) too learnt a lot from the astronauts stay in ISS. “A flight test demo is all about learning. From the process of launching to docking, it was a learning experience for all of us,” she says.
Dr. Kavya’s Tribute to Her “Space Mom” Sunita Williams
Interestingly, before the astronauts were launched, Dr Kavya happened to tell Sunita how she wished they could have a longer stay up there. “It was just a joke. I casually told her that after working hard on the program for so many years, being up there for just 8 days would not be fulfilling and hoped for a longer stay. It turned out that way,” laughs Dr Kavya, who later met Sunita at the IAC in Jerusalem and then at President Barack Obama’s White House Astronomy night. “Sunny is my role model, I call her my space mom. We have always been excited to work with each other,” says Dr Kavya.
From a Historic Starliner Test Flight to an Unexpected 287-Day Mission in Space
Sunita Williams 58, is a retired Navy helicopter pilot, while Wilmore is a former fighter jet pilot who has been to space twice before. “We’ve been thoroughly busy up here, integrated right into the crew,” she told reporters during a recent briefing call. “It feels like coming back home. It feels good to float around. It feels good to be in space and work up here with the International Space Station team,” she said.
Since June 5, 2024, the world had their eyes set on the skies, eagerly awaiting the return of astronaut Sunita and her colleague from the International Space Station (ISS). Sunita made history as the first woman to serve as a pilot on a flight test of an orbital spacecraft when the Starliner launched into orbit.
She embarked on this mission initially slated to last only eight days. However, technical challenges with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft delayed her return multiple times, stretching the mission to over 250 days.
Unlocking New Discoveries in Space Research
In another interview, Sunita shared “We’re professional astronauts; we were trained for every contingency.” Sunita’s recent mission was more than just another achievement—it showed how dedication and optimism can help overcome unexpected challenges. With a positive outlook, she and her team kept their spirits high even when plans went off track, describing the ISS as “a happy place.” The extra time in space gave them a chance to dive into additional research and experiments, gathering important data in space medicine, material science, and climate observation. Along the way, Sunita captured stunning images of Earth’s landscapes, oceans, and weather patterns, reminding everyone of the planet’s beauty and fragility.
From a Diverse Upbringing to a Celebrated Career in Space Exploration
Sunita Lyn Williams was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, into a family where multicultural roots were celebrated. With her father hailing from a small village in Gujarat and her mother of Slovenian descent, she grew up surrounded by a vibrant mix of traditions and stories. This diverse background broadened her outlook from an early age and deepened her connection to her Indian heritage—a bond she proudly highlighted during her memorable Diwali message from space at the White House.
Her academic journey was just as impressive. After graduating from Needham High School in Massachusetts in 1983, Sunita went on to earn a degree in Physical Science from the United States Naval Academy in 1987. She later pursued a Master’s in Engineering Management at the Florida Institute of Technology. These achievements laid the groundwork for an extraordinary career in aviation and space exploration, setting her on a path to become one of the most celebrated figures in the field.
Overcoming Health Challenges: Navigating Microgravity’s Effects on Muscle, Bone and Vision
With Sunita Williams return to Earth, she could face several health challenges linked to the effects of extended exposure to microgravity. Dr. Sandeep Sriram, a Consultant Hand & Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad, explains that astronauts might deal with complications such as muscle and bone loss, which could lead to difficulties like lower-body weakness, a heightened risk of osteoporosis, and even fractures. Additionally, microgravity may cause the spinal discs to expand, potentially leading to back pain and herniation, while fluid shifts can result in joint pain and swelling.
“Astronauts may experience changes in walking patterns due to muscle and bone adaptations. There could be Orthostatic intolerance as well. Upon returning to Earth, they may experience dizziness and lightheadedness due to blood pressure changes,” explains Dr Sandeep.
Dr. Sandeep further notes there is also the risk of radiation exposure during space missions, which could increase the potential for DNA damage and cancer. Moreover, the fluid shifts in microgravity have been linked to vision impairment. “NASA and other space agencies closely monitor astronauts’ health and take countermeasures to mitigate these effects, ensuring a safe and successful mission,” adds Dr Sandeep.
Sunita’s incredible journey, filled with unexpected twists and moments of pure determination, reminds us that exploration is as much about overcoming challenges as it is about discovery. As she steps back onto Earth, her story not only deepens our understanding of space but also fuels our collective imagination, inspiring us to keep pushing the limits of what’s possible.
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