## WHO IS SUNITA WILLIAMS
Sunita Williams is an American astronaut and United States Navy officer born on September 19, 1965. She also held the record for the most spacewalks done by any female gender class—seven—and spent over 50 hours in spacewalk time. Williams has flown in multiple missions aboard the International Space Station as a Flight Engineer and Commander of different expeditions.
Born in Euclid, Ohio, to an Indian father and Slovene-American mother, she graduated from the United States Naval Academy and later earned a master’s degree in engineering management. Among other things that Williams has participated in, she belongs to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and took part in the Boeing Starliner mission recently, which extended her stay on the ISS due to some technical problems with the spacecraft. She is known for her work in space research and has been felicitated with a number of awards and recognitions, notably the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 2008.
## What inspired Sunita Williams to become an astronaut
Inspiration to become an astronaut in Sunita Williams was activated by her childhood interests and experiences. Multicultural upbringing instilled in her an unending urge to discover the world and beyond. The academic background starting with Bachelor of Science from U.S. Naval Academy to Master’s in Engineering Management provided a strong fundamental base.
Williams, in particular, was driven by her interest in aviation and exploration. Her career in the military as a U.S. Navy pilot who flew various aircraft and flying sorties for important missions helped her develop an active interest in outer space. She was chosen by NASA in 1998 to undergo the rigors of astronaut training, setting her up for historic missions aboard the ISS and record spacewalks. She inspires any nascent astronauts but more so the women in STEM with the idea that with determination and grit, the sky is not the limit.
## Astronaut Sunita Williams to return to Earth next year, says NASA
NASA said Saturday that Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore — who journeyed to the International Space Station in June on board Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule — will have to go back to Earth early next year, using a SpaceX vehicle.
That decision was made following the agency’s conclusion that issues with Starliner’s propulsion system posed too great a risk to carry its first crew home.
## What are some of Sunita Williams’ most memorable moments in space
There have been quite a few memorable moments of Sunita Williams during her space missions that really show her contributions and experiences in orbit. Here are some of the most notable ones:
1. First Launch STS-116
On 9 December 2006, Williams launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery for her first mission to the ISS. This truly marked the beginning of this great journey into space exploration.
2. Setting Records for Spacewalks
During her missions, Williams conducted a total of seven spacewalks, spending over 50 hours outside the spacecraft. At one time, she held the record for the most spacewalk time by a female astronaut, which proved her interest and grace in conducting complex tasks in microgravity.
3. Running a Marathon in Space
In April 2007, Williams was able to run the Boston Marathon on a treadmill in the ISS, thus becoming the first person to complete a marathon in space. This was an achievement wherein a delicate convergence of two potent features was realized—the human spirit of endurance and connectedness to the Earth while orbiting about it.
4. Emotional ISS Homecoming
On her latest mission, once back on the ISS, Williams expressed her joy by dancing in zero gravity, a moment which echoed with many. It gave the fun side of space travels. Speaking about going back to the ISS, she said the place felt like home.
5. Commanding Expedition 33
Williams’ leadership in space exploration really sharpened when she commanded Expedition 33 and deftly directed operations aboard the ISS. These moments not only highlight what she has achieved but inspire future generations to induce interest in the areas of science and space exploration.
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