Sunita Williams to visit India soon, sister says after her safe return to Earth

Sunita Williams

After spending 286 days in space, completing 4,577 orbits around the Earth, and travelling 195.2 million kilometres, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has safely returned to Earth and splashed down off the coast of the American state of Florida early on Wednesday.

Sunita Williams’ cousin, Falguni Pandya, expressed her joy and said that she was happy on her sister's return. "That moment was surreal," Falguni said in an exclusive interaction with NDTV.

Falguni also informed that Williams will soon visit India and the family has planned to go on a vacation. "We are also planning on going on vacation together. There is going to be a lot of family time," she said on Williams’ return.

When asked if Williams would return to space or be the first person to land on Mars, Falguni stated that it would be "her choice." Reflecting on Williams' extended stay at the space station, her cousin praised the 59-year-old astronaut, saying she "makes the best" of every situation she faces.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, 62, had flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 last year, on what was supposed to be a days-long roundtrip to test out Boeing's Starliner on its first crewed flight. However, the spaceship developed propulsion problems and was deemed unfit to fly back and instead returned uncrewed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also written to Williams and said that he is looking forward to seeing her in India. In a letter dated March 1, which was shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, PM Modi said he had inquired about the well-being of Ms Williams when he met US President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, during his visits to the US.

The Prime Minister recalled that at a meeting with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino in Delhi this month, her name had come up in their conversation. "We discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you," he said.

"1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance," he added.