Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has praised India as “a great country, another wonderful democracy,” striving to make its mark in space. She expressed her enthusiasm for contributing to India’s journey in space exploration.

Speaking at a press conference on March 31, 2025, from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Williams, who recently returned to Earth after spending nine months in space, shared her admiration for India. “India is amazing,” she said, recalling the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from space. Every time the crew went over the Himalayas, they captured “incredible pictures.”

Describing the whole experience as “just amazing,” she noted, “just like this ripple that happened, obviously when the plates collided, and then as it flows down into India. It’s many, many colors.” 

She also shared her awe of India’s illuminated landscape at night. “I think, when you come from the east, going into like Gujarat and Mumbai, the fishing fleet that’s off the coast there gives you a little bit of a beacon that here we come, and then all throughout India, I think the impression I had was it was just like this network of lights from the bigger cities going down through the smaller cities,” she explained. “Just incredible to look at night as well as during the day, highlighted, of course, by the Himalayas, which is just incredible as a forefront going down into India.”

Williams also announced plans to visit India, her father’s homeland. Deepak Pandya, her father, hailed from Gujarat and migrated to the U.S. in 1958. She also expressed excitement about meeting Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who will participate in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station, making him India’s second astronaut since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

“They’ll have a hometown hero there of their own that will be able to talk about how wonderful the International Space Station is from his perspective. But I hope I can meet up at some point in time, and we can share our experiences with as many people in India as possible,” she added. 

As she was finishing up her answer about India, fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore playfully asked, “Do you plan to take your crew members on that trip?” Williams responded enthusiastically, “Absolutely. You might stick out a little bit, but that’s okay,” prompting laughter from the journalists. “We’ll get you all primed with some spicy food,” she joked. Williams and Wilmore were joined by astronaut Nick Hague at the press conference. 

Williams and Wilmore, test pilots for Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, embarked on what was intended to be an eight-day mission. However, due to helium leaks and thruster failures rendering the spacecraft unsafe, their mission extended to over nine months. The spacecraft ultimately returned without them in September.

Reflecting on the experience, Williams remarked, “it was a little bit unique, obviously, first time flying on a new spacecraft…” but life goes on up there. She emphasized that as International Space Station crew members, they stayed focused on their mission, conducting experiments and training. Once they are up on the space, she pointed out “So you’re not really aware of what else is going on down here. I hate to say that, maybe the world doesn’t revolve around us, but we revolve around the world.”

Addressing concerns from family and friends about her extended stay, she reassured that they were part of a team doing their job, stepping in where needed, and awaiting their rotational flights.

When asked about her first activity upon landing, she said, “I wanted to hug my husband and my dogs,” adding that she also enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich, which reminded her of her vegetarian father.

Looking ahead, Williams shared that she and her family are planning summer and fall trips, with her husband organizing plans for their New England home. “There’s a bigger bucket list that I had when I left, which is unfortunate for my family, but we’re all going to be taking some trips,” she added. 

To her hometown of Needham, Massachusetts, she declared, “I’m back. First and foremost,” adding that she reflected on lessons learned about resilience and adaptability. For children, her biggest message is, when life takes unexpected turns “keep focused on your goal, and other doors might be open for you.” 

Related posts:

Indian-Origin Sunita Williams Sets Spacewalking Record as NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Returns; PM Modi Invites Her to India President Biden Refers to the White House as the “People’s House” During the Diwali Celebrations  JAINA Convention 2025 to Celebrate Jain Heritage, Foster Unity and Spiritual Growth  Jack Williams of ExxonMobil Joins USISPF Board to Strengthen U.S.-India Energy Ties