Galactic legend Sunita Williams hangs up her spacesuit after 27 years

WASHINGTON: After nearly three decades of trailblazing service, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired, leaving behind a career defined by courage, pioneering achievements, and a passion for exploration that has inspired generations. Her retirement, effective December 27, 2025, marks the end of an era in human spaceflight and the celebration of one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts.

Williams’ journey in space began in December 2006 aboard space shuttle Discovery with STS-116, followed by a return to Atlantis during STS-117. She served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 14/15, completing a record-breaking four spacewalks during the mission, establishing herself as a formidable presence aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

In 2012, Williams launched from Kazakhstan on a 127-day mission as part of Expeditions 32/33, taking command of the station during Expedition 33. Her time on the ISS included three spacewalks to repair a radiator leak and replace critical power components, demonstrating her technical skill and leadership under pressure.

Most recently, Williams returned to space aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 and later joined Expedition 71/72, once again assuming command of the ISS. Over her career, she accumulated 608 days in space, placing her second among NASA astronauts in cumulative time off Earth. She also completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, the most ever by a woman, and became the first person to run a marathon in space.

“Sunita Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” said NASA administrator Jared Isaacman. “Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars, and her extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations to dream big.”

Williams’ contributions extended beyond her missions. She was a NEEMO crew member in 2002, spending nine days living underwater to simulate space conditions. She served as deputy chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, directed operations in Star City, Russia, and helped establish helicopter training platforms for future lunar missions.

A retired U.S. Navy captain, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in physical science from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology. She is an accomplished helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, logging over 4,000 flight hours across 40 aircraft.

“Anyone who knows me knows that space is my absolute favourite place to be,” Williams said. “It’s been an incredible honour to serve in the Astronaut Office and fly in space three times. The ISS, the people, the engineering, and the science are awe-inspiring and have made the next steps of exploration to the Moon and Mars possible.”

Colleagues praised her leadership and spirit. Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson, said, “She’s inspired so many people, including myself and other astronauts. We’re all going to miss her greatly and wish her nothing but the best.”

From repairing the ISS in orbit to running a marathon in microgravity, from leading crews to shaping astronaut training for the future, Sunita Williams’ career is a testament to skill, courage, and the human spirit’s boundless reach. Her retirement marks the close of a chapter, but her legacy will continue to guide explorers venturing beyond Earth.