NEW DELHI / WASHINGTON — NASA has officially announced the retirement of Sunita “Suni” Williams, one of the most decorated and beloved astronauts in the agency’s history. After 27 years of service, her retirement became effective on December 27, 2025, marking the end of a career defined by endurance, technical mastery, and an unwavering connection to her Indian roots.
The announcement was made by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who praised Williams for her pivotal role in bridging the gap between legacy government missions and the new era of commercial spaceflight.
1. A Career of Historic “Firsts”
Williams leaves NASA as the woman with the most cumulative spacewalk time and one of the highest total days spent in orbit.
- Cumulative Time: She logged a staggering 608 days in space across three missions—ranking second all-time for NASA astronauts.
- Spacewalk Master: Over 9 spacewalks, she totaled 62 hours and 6 minutes, the most by any female astronaut.
- The “Space Marathon”: In 2007, she became the first person to run a marathon in orbit, completing the Boston Marathon on a treadmill while circling Earth.
2. The Final Odyssey: Starliner and SpaceX
Her final mission was her most challenging. Launching in June 2024 on the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed test flight, a technical snag extended an eight-day mission into an eight-month stay.
- Command of the ISS: During her extended stay, she served as the Commander of Expedition 72.
- The Return: She finally returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew-9 capsule, demonstrating the “perseverance” and “grit” famously praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
3. Emotional “Homecoming” in New Delhi
Currently visiting India, Williams participated in a fireside chat at the American Center in New Delhi on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
- Connecting with the Chawla Family: In a poignant moment, Williams met with the 90-year-old mother and sister of late astronaut Kalpana Chawla. The families have shared a deep bond since the 2003 Columbia disaster, with Williams having stayed with the Chawlas for three months following the tragedy.
- A Global Perspective: “Every person I know is there… it really makes you feel like we are just one,” Williams said, reflecting on how viewing Earth from space erases borders.
Sunita Williams: Flight Log Summary
| Mission | Year | Role | Highlights |
| STS-116 / 117 | 2006–07 | Flight Engineer | First woman to run a marathon in space. |
| Expedition 32/33 | 2012 | ISS Commander | 127-day mission; extensive spacewalks. |
| Crew Flight Test | 2024–25 | ISS Commander | Starliner test; returned on SpaceX Crew-9. |
| Total Service | 1998–2025 | 27 Years | 608 days in space; 9 spacewalks. |