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Sunita Williams Return highlights: World celebrates NASA astronauts' safe landing
Sunita Williams Return: NASA astronauts returned to Earth in the wee hours of Wednesday after spending more than nine months at the International Space Station.
Sunita Williams Return: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after spending over nine months at the International Space Station (ISS) due to unexpected delays. Their spacecraft, SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom capsule, successfully splashed down off the Florida coast near Tallahassee, at 5.57 pm ET on Tuesday (3:27 am IST, Wednesday)....Read More
‘Butch and Suni’ were accompanied by astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Grebyonkin who reached the ISS in December as part of a rescue mission planned by NASA and SpaceX.
“On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home,” radioed SpaceX Mission Control in California.
An hour after their 17-hour-long journey, the astronauts were out of their scorched capsule, waving and smiling at the cameras while being hustled away in reclining stretchers for routine medical checks.
Political undertones of the successful rescue were hard to miss as The White House claimed that the rescue mission was due to President Trump's efforts. “PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @NASA!” it wrote on X.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore travelled to the ISS in June last year for a scheduled eight-day mission. They were forced to stay as the Boeing Starliner capsule developed issues with its propulsion system. The duo was the first crew to fly Boeing's Starliner in a test flight. The faulty capsule returned to Earth last September.
Sunita Williams | Key points
- Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spent 286 days on the International Space Station, where they conducted over 4500 orbits and travelled more than 121 million statute miles
- The crew will undergo NASA's 45-day post-mission rehabilitation program is designed to help astronauts recover from the physical effects of spaceflight.
- 'Butch and Suni' ended up spending 286 days in space — 278 days longer than anticipated when they launched. They circled Earth 4,576 times and travelled 121 million miles (195 million kilometres) by the time of splashdown.
- Sunita Williams, capping her third spaceflight, will have tallied 608 cumulative days in space, the second most for any US astronaut after Peggy Whitson's 675 days. Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko set the world record last year at 878 cumulative days.
Live updates to this blog end here.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Gujarat CM congratulates NASA astronauts on safe return
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his joy and extended heartfelt congratulations to Sunita Williams, the daughter of Gujarat and the pride of the nation, on her safe return to Earth after an extraordinary nine-month mission at the International Space Station, as per a release.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Celebrations at Kalpana Chawla's school after NASA astronauts land safely on Earth
Students at Karnal's Tagore Baal Niketan joined the millions in taking an ecstatic sigh of relief on Wednesday as Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after 286 days of being stranded in space, PTI reported.
The same school gave the world a brilliant astronaut in Kalpana Chawla, who was the first woman of India-origin to go in space.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hails NASA astronaut's safe landing on Earth
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday expressed happiness over the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members to Earth, PTI reported.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to NASA, SpaceX and astronauts for their successful return to Earth," the statement quoted the chief minister as saying.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Jharkhand Guv's high praises for NASA astronaut
Welcoming NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar said their patience, courage and confidence have set a new example of inspiration.
"Heartiest congratulations to Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return after a 9-month adventurous journey in space! Their patience, courage and confidence have set a new example of inspiration," Governor Gangwar said in a post on X.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Egyptian Astronaut speaks on NASA astronaut's safe return after 9 months
On NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams's return to Earth, Egyptian Astronaut, Founder and CEO of Deep Space Initiative, Sara Sabry, said, “It's great news. I think they must be really pleased and happy to be back on Earth after nine months in space finally. Being in space is such an incredible opportunity. Not many people get to do it, so I'm sure they've done the best that they can to make the mission successful and to make it as productive as possible.”
“There's so much research being done on the International Space Station. They never had a moment of free time, even because it's such a precious time to be at the space station. But I'm sure they're finally pleased to go back home, to go back to see their families, to drop a pen on the floor. I'm excited for them to go see their families and just eat good food,” she further told ANI.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin hails NASA astronaut's safe return to Earth
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday expressed happiness over the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth, PTI reported.
In the Assembly, Stalin, after describing the stay of the astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, at the International Space Station for 287 days and the issues they faced, said their safe return has "made us all happy."
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Puducherry Assembly celebrates NASA astronaut's safe return
The Puducherry Assembly on Wednesday hailed NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her return to Earth after a nine-month-long space exploration mission, PTI reported.
Speaker R Selvam, who paid glowing compliments to Williams and other astronauts in the House, referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appreciation of the bravery of the astronaut.
Sunita Williams live updates: ‘Historic triumph of perseverance,’ says TN Guv on NASA astronauts' return
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ return to earth at the conclusion of the scientific mission to the space station was more than a homecoming. It was a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi said on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams live updates: Why was the astronaut carried away on a stretcher after landing?
Sunita Williams live updates: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth in the wee hours of Wednesday (Indian time) after having spent 286 days in space. However, their troubles might not just be over as readjusting to Earth and the gravity can be difficult, owing to the damage caused to the human body during space travel.
Sunita Williams' and Barry Wilmore returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, along with astronauts Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov. After their capsule splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, they were both immediately taken for medical tests on reclining stretchers.
Sunita Williams live updates: Jharkhand governor hails astronauts' patience, courage
Sunita Williams live updates: Jharkhand governor Santosh Gangwar expressed happiness over the safe return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore and said that their patience, courage and confidence have a set of new example of inspiration.
"Heartiest congratulations to Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return after a 9-month adventurous journey in space! Their patience, courage and confidence have set a new example of inspiration," Governor Gangwar said in a post on X.
The governor also extended "heartiest congratulations to all the scientists associated with this historic mission".
Sunita Williams live updates: Astronaut, her crew have rewritten history, says Rajnath Singh
Sunita Williams live updates: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed happiness over the safe return of Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 members.
He said that they have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space.
"Delighted at the safe return of NASA's #Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India's daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space. Sunita Williams' incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe," Singh wrote in a post on X.
He said that her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world.
"Her courage and achievements make us all proud. Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on earth," Singh further said in his post.
Sunita Williams live updates: Amit Shah hails Indian-American astronaut; 'She has made world proud...'
Sunita Williams live updates: Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed SpaceX-NASA's successful mission in bringing back astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore and two others from space.
In a post on X, Shah wrote, "The successful splashdown of Crew 9, accomplishing a challenging space expedition, is a testament to the power of human resilience. It is an inspiring demonstration of how even the toughest hurdles can be overcome with sheer courage, patience, and dedication."
"I extend my heartiest congratulations to the members of Crew-9 and especially to @Astro_Suni. She has made the world proud of its courageous daughters. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to NASA and SpaceX for facilitating their return. Welcome home," he added.
Sunita Williams live updates: Gujarat CM hails astronaut's return
Sunita Williams live updates: Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel extended congratulations to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams who returned to Earth early on Wednesday after having spent over nine months in space.
"Heartfelt congratulations to our very own Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts on their safe return to Earth after an extraordinary nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Their unwavering dedication and resilience have been a beacon of inspiration for millions," Patel said in a post on X.
He further added, "We, in India, take immense pride in Sunita's connection to our land, celebrating her as a shining example of our shared heritage and aspirations."
Sunita Williams live updates: Residents of astronaut's ancestral Gujarat village celebrate her return
Sunita Williams live updates: Residents of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village Jhulasan in Gujarat's Mehsana celebrated her safe return to Earth, bursting firecrackers, distributing sweets, dancing and offering prayers to God.
The villagers had also organized a 'yajna' for Williams' safe return. They said that their happiness knew no end and hoped to see Williams visit her ancestral village soon.
Sunita Williams live updates: Haryana Assembly expresses happiness over safe return of NASA astronauts
Sunita Williams live updates: The Haryana assembly on Wednesday expressed happiness at the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth after they spent more than nine months in space.
Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij moved a resolution to congratulate the astronauts during the ongoing state budget session.
Sunita Williams live updates: Ex-ISRO scientist hails NASA, SpaceX teamwork as 'excellent'
Sunita Williams live updates: Former ISRO space scientist Nambi Narayanan appreciated the teamwork of NASA and SpaceX in bringing back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after the duo spent more than nine months in space, at the ISS.
"It shows that the precision with which they can operate this mission, there was involvement of a private company, they could manage to do it, but what I am interested technically is that unexpectedly there was a delay in their operation, but they were able to put up with the delay and any associated things. The whole system worked. I was watching, it was excellent," he told news agency PTI.
Narayanan said that with private partnership, India can also learn from this experience. "Our own Gaganyaan, when it takes off in three years, we may have similar, or more than these difficulties. This kind of operation can be successful with only private partnership. Even in China, you have private partnership, right now we agreed, we are bringing private partnership, but there must be some kind of censorship, we have to look into it," he added.
Sunita Williams live updates: Longer space stay detrimental to physical health, says SAC director
Sunita Williams live updates: Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC) Nilesh M Desai told news agency ANI that staying in space longer than the restricted time is "detrimental to the physical and psychological health of the astronauts".
His remarks came in the backdrop of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth on Wednesday after they spent over nine months in space.
"Nine months is a long period for staying in space... The maximum duration of a space stay is restricted to six months... A longer stay is detrimental to the physical and psychological health of the astronauts... However, their three-month longer stay could have prompted research activities and experiments... Scientists and the medical fraternity will also get a chance to study the impact of space on these returning astronauts," he said.
Desai further said, "Like the impact of radiation and the microgravity environment during a prolonged stay... These experiments will go a long way in enhancing our knowledge about the impact of space on various activities of humans, which will help us in our aim of working towards building space tourism or colonies in space, on the Moon, or on Mars."
Sunita Williams live updates: Why has Donald Trump not invited astronaut to White House yet? He explains.
Sunita Williams live updates: US President Donald Trump explained why he has not yet invited NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to the White House.
He said that Williams and Butch Wilmore will visit the White House after "they get better".
“They have to get better. When you are up there (in space), you have no pull in your muscle and gravity. You can lift a thousand pounds like this,” the US President told Fox News.
Sunita Williams live updates: Prowess of human courage, says BJP national general secretary
Sunita Williams live updates: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said that the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth is a "wonderful example of the prowess of human courage, science and technology".
He termed Williams as the daughter of India's DNA. "For nine months, the whole world kept praying for her safety...Hearty congratulations to all the people associated with the mission for this achievement," Chugh told news agency ANI.
Sunita Williams live updates: 'She has set a new example', says Raghav Chadha
Sunita Williams live updates: Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha, speaking to news agency ANI, hailed NASA astronaut Sunita Williams upon her safe return to Earth from space.
"Sunita Williams is the name of such a person who has given a new definition of the greatness and strength of struggle to the country and the world. I salute her... She fought this battle with strong willpower and now after, eight months, she has returned safely to Earth," Chadha told ANI.
He further congratulated Williams and said that she has set a new example, adding that many generations will take inspiration from her struggle.
Sunita Williams live updates: Arunachal dy CM 'proud' of Williams
Sunita Williams live updates: Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein also hailed the safe return of Sunita Williams.
In a post on X, Mein wrote, "Welcome back to Earth, Sunita Williams! India's daughter continues to make us proud with her resilience, dedication, and pioneering spirit. The successful return of you and Butch Wilmore aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is a shining example of human ingenuity and perseverance. Wishing you a smooth recovery and looking forward to your next extraordinary journey."
Sunita Williams live updates: Arunachal CM hails astronaut's 'resilience'
Sunita Williams live updates: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu hailed the return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth, appreciating her resilience and dedication.
In a post on X, Khandu posted, "Welcome Home, Sunita Williams! Immense happiness and pride as Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams returns safely to Earth after her inspiring mission aboard the ISS! Her resilience, dedication, and pioneering spirit continue to motivate millions, proving that the sky is not the limit -- it's just the beginning."
"Wishing her a smooth recovery and looking forward to her next adventure," the chief minister added.
Sunita Williams live updates: Mamata Banerjee happy for 'daughter of India'
Sunita Williams live updates: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed happiness for the "daughter of India" Sunita Williams after she returned from space after spending more than nine months there.
"Welcome Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth, finally and safely, after so many days. Our daughter of India returns to us, and we are deeply deeply happy and elated. We are profoundly happy for Butch Wilmore also. Hail their courage, hail their return, hail human glory!" Banerjee said in a post on X.
"I congratulate the rescue team for their overwhelming support and success," she added.
Sunita Williams live updates: Bengal BJP MLAs congratulate NASA astronaut
Sunita Williams live updates: West Bengal BJP MLAs on Wednesday congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return to Earth after having spent over nine months in space.
The legislators gathered on the state assembly premises holding placards congratulating Williams.
Party chief whip Shankar Ghosh led the group after the first half of the Assembly session ended.
