PM Modi writes letter to Sunita Williams, says 'looking forward to seeing you'

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has commenced her journey back to Earth after spending more than nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, was originally scheduled for a brief mission but faced an extended stay due to technical problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to bring them back to Earth. The spacecraft developed propulsion issues, leaving the astronauts stranded in orbit until a solution was found.

The two astronauts flew to the ISS on June 5, as part of a mission to test Boeing’s Starliner on its first crewed flight. However, when the spacecraft was deemed unfit for return, they were reassigned to NASA-SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which involved a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft arriving at the station in September 2024. This mission allowed Williams and Wilmore to continue their stay in space while awaiting a safe return plan.

On March 18, Williams and Wilmore undocked from the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, marking the beginning of their 17-hour journey back to Earth. The spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean around 3:27 AM IST on March 19, with recovery teams standing by to ensure a safe landing. NASA has been coordinating closely with meteorologists to ensure favorable conditions for the splashdown.

In a personal letter dated March 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his support and well wishes to Williams as she prepares to return. The Prime Minister expressed pride in her accomplishments, stating that "1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements." He also mentioned his discussions about her with both President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, as well as with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino during his recent visit to Delhi. PM Modi also recalled meeting her father, Deepak Pandya, in 2016, and extended his prayers for her health and success in her mission.

Following the return of Williams and Wilmore, recovery teams are prepared to retrieve the astronauts safely. The extended mission of Williams and Wilmore showcases the resilience and adaptability required for space exploration, and the success of their mission highlights the critical role of international collaboration in overcoming challenges in space travel. Following their splashdown, Williams’ return is set to mark a significant achievement in space exploration and will be celebrated worldwide.