'Sunita Williams salary to Sunita Williams return date': What Indians googled on astronaut's return to Earth

With this mission, the 59-year-old astronaut has now spent a total of 608 days in space across her three flights.

NASA astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore made a triumphant return to Earth in a flawless splashdown off the coast of Florida after an arduous 17-hour journey. Their homecoming on March 19 marked the end of a mission that had originally been planned to last just eight days but stretched to nearly 10 months due to technical issues.

The duo had embarked on their journey aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, departing Earth on June 5, 2024. However, their return was repeatedly delayed due to thruster malfunctions that made re-entry unsafe. What was meant to be a brief assignment extended to 286 days, during which they completed 4,576 orbits around the Earth and travelled 195 million kilometres.

Despite the prolonged stay, Williams and Wilmore appeared in high spirits upon their return, maintaining the resilience and optimism that defined their mission on the International Space Station (ISS).

As the world followed their delayed return with anticipation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt letter to Sunita Williams, acknowledging her perseverance and the pride she instilled in Indians.

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

Modi also referenced Williams’ Indian heritage, particularly her late father, Deepak Pandya, and her stepmother, Bonnie Pandya. "Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission. Ms Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting your return, and I am sure that Late Deepakbhai’s blessings are with you as well. I fondly remember meeting him along with you during my visit to the United States in 2016," he added.

In India, her ancestral village, Jhulasan in Gujarat, held prayers and lit an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) for her safe return.

In the lead-up to her return, Indians turned to Google with a range of questions about Williams and her mission. One of the most popular queries was about her salary.

"Sunita Williams salary per year in Indian rupees?"

Sunita Williams Google Search (Image: Google Trends)

Williams holds a GS-15 ranking, the highest tier in the US General Pay Schedule, with a base salary ranging from $125,133 (INR 1 crore approx) to $162,672 (INR 1.4 crore approx), according to CNBC-TV18. Due to her extended stay in space, she was also entitled to additional earnings ranging between $93,850 (INR 80 lakh approx) and $122,004 (INR 1 crore approx). Wilmore received the same compensation.

Other frequently searched questions were: "Sunita Williams rescue, Sunita Williams return date and What happened to Sunita Williams?"

Sunita Williams Google Search (Image: Google Trends)

Williams spent nearly 10 months aboard the ISS, which orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometres. While gravity still exists on the ISS—around 90% of what is experienced on Earth—astronauts float because the station is in constant free fall around the planet. The ISS travels at a speed of 27,600 km/h, matching the rate at which it "falls" around Earth, creating the sensation of weightlessness.

Williams and Wilmore’s return to Earth was captured in breathtaking footage. The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft was seen descending under four orange-and-white parachutes. NASA shared a striking visual of the moment, writing on Instagram:

"Framed by a light blue sky and tranquil azure sea, the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is seen descending. It is suspended by four large orange-and-white parachutes. The drone capturing this footage tracks to the right as the capsule touches the surface of the water, and its chutes follow gracefully."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NASA (@nasa)

The Dragon capsule splashed down off the Florida coast at 3:27 am IST on Wednesday (5:57 pm Tuesday, Florida time). Despite the early hour, many in India stayed up to watch the historic event unfold.

Williams’ stepmother, Falguni Pandya, expressed her happiness at the astronaut’s safe return. "I am very grateful to God and very happy for Sunita’s homecoming. It was a long wait. There was no nervousness. It was pure joy. I prayed and made a vow that after everything goes well, I will be at the temple, and here I am," she said.

With this mission, the 59-year-old astronaut has now spent a total of 608 days in space across her three flights. She also holds the record for the most time spent on spacewalks by a female astronaut, clocking 62 hours and 6 minutes outside the spacecraft.