After 27 years with NASA, Astronaut Sunita Williams announces retirement following prolonged ISS mission

NASA confirms retirement of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams after her safe return to Earth from an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has officially retired from her long and eventful space career. The United States space agency NASA has formally announced her retirement, bringing an end to a distinguished 27-year journey in space exploration.

The announcement follows her recent safe return to Earth after being stranded in space for several months due to technical complications. Sunita Williams had travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore for what was planned as a short one-week mission. However, problems were detected in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was scheduled to bring them back.

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As a result, both astronauts were unable to return as planned and had to remain aboard the ISS for nearly nine months. During this period, they stayed approximately 400 kilometres above Earth, living and working in a zero-gravity environment while awaiting a safe return option.

NASA officials have confirmed that soon after returning safely to Earth, Sunita Williams formally communicated her decision to step away from active service. According to the agency, her retirement date was December 27, 2025.

Over nearly three decades at NASA, Sunita Williams participated in three major space missions and earned global recognition for her contributions. She also holds the distinction of being one of the astronauts with the highest number of spacewalks by a woman, a milestone that underlines her experience and endurance.