NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after an illustrious 27-year career with the US space agency, with her retirement officially taking effect at the end of December 2025, NASA announced on Wednesday (Tuesday in the US).
Now 60, Williams flew three missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and achieved multiple milestones in human spaceflight. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman hailed her as “a trailblazer in human spaceflight,” noting that her leadership aboard the space station helped shape the future of exploration and commercial missions in low Earth orbit. “Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your service to NASA and our nation,” he said.
Over the course of her career, Williams logged 608 days in space — the second-highest cumulative total by a NASA astronaut. She also ranks sixth among Americans for the longest single spaceflight, tied with astronaut Butch Wilmore, with both spending 286 days in orbit. She completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, making her the woman with the most spacewalking time, according to NASA. Williams was also the first person to run a marathon in space.
From space shuttle missions to the Starliner test flight
Williams made her spaceflight debut in 2006 aboard space shuttle Discovery and later flew again on Atlantis. She served as a flight engineer during Expeditions 14 and 15, completing a then-record four spacewalks.
In 2012, she returned to the ISS for Expeditions 32 and 33, where she also served as space station commander and conducted critical repair spacewalks.
Her most recent mission began in June 2024, when she and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner for its first crewed test flight. What was intended to be a short mission extended to more than nine months due to technical issues with the spacecraft. The duo ultimately returned to Earth in March 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission.
Indian roots and inspiration for future explorers
Williams, who is of Indian origin, has frequently spoken about her deep connection to India, describing her visit to the country as a “homecoming.” During a recent visit to Delhi, she said viewing Earth from space made human differences seem insignificant, adding, “It really makes you feel like we are just one.”
Reflecting on her career, Williams said space was her “absolute favourite place to be” and credited her colleagues for supporting her journey. “I had an amazing 27-year career at NASA,” she said, noting that the ISS and its scientific work have helped lay the groundwork for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
“I hope the foundation we set has made these bold steps a little easier. I am super excited for NASA and its partner agencies as we take these next steps, and I can’t wait to watch the agency make history,” she added.
