New Delhi: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned safely to Earth at 3.27 am IST after an unexpected nine-month stay in space.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, both part of Boeing’s first crewed Starliner mission, landed off the coast of Florida on Wednesday morning aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Along with them were NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Reaction from political leaders across India has started coming in after she landed safely on Earth.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Sunita Williams’s incredible journey will inspire millions across the world.
He wrote, “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’s incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude, and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud”, Singh added.
“Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely to earth.”
In a post on X, Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology, wrote, “A moment of glory, pride and relief! The whole world comes together to celebrate the safe return of this illustrious daughter of India who has instantly gone down in the history for the courage, conviction and consistency with which she endured the uncertainties of Space.”
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, in a post on X, said, “Heartfelt congratulations to Sunita Williams on her safe return to Earth. Her remarkable nine-month mission with @NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 showcased resilience and dedication. Her inspiring journey is a testament to courage and determination, leaving a lasting impact on millions worldwide. Welcome back to earth, @Astro_Suni.”
Posting on X, HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister Of Heavy Industries and Steel, said that Sunita Williams continues to inspire generations with her dedication and courage.
He posted, “Welcome back to Earth, #SunitaWilliams and #BarryWilmore. Their incredible journey is a testament to human perseverance and scientific excellence. Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi avaru’s heartfelt letter to Sunita Williams reflects the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. As he rightly said, ‘Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts.’ Sunita continues to inspire generations with her dedication and courage. Wishing both astronauts a well-deserved welcome home!”
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu said, “Glad to see astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore return safely to Earth. Their journey back shows exemplary human determination and teamwork. I applaud everyone who made it possible and salute the astronauts for their strength and perseverance. I wish them good health! @Astro_Suni.”
Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan, in a post on X, said the extended mission of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore has left an inspiring legacy in space exploration. He posted, “Astronauts @Astro_Suni and Butch Wilmore of @NASA make history by returning home after a remarkable 9-month stay at the International Space Station. Their extended mission, shaped by technical challenges, has left an inspiring legacy in space exploration. Wishing them good health and many more achievements ahead.”
