Veteran NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has officially retired after an extraordinary 27-year career in space exploration, bringing to a close one of the most accomplished journeys in human spaceflight. Describing her time at NASA as “an incredible honour,” Williams leaves behind a legacy defined by endurance, leadership, and record-setting achievements in orbit.

Over the course of her career, Sunita Williams spent a total of 608 days in space, the second-highest cumulative time in orbit among all NASA astronauts. Her extended missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) placed her among the most experienced spacefarers in history and contributed significantly to scientific research and operational advancements in microgravity.

Williams is also a world record holder for spacewalking, having completed nine spacewalks totalling 62 hours outside the space station. These demanding excursions involved complex tasks such as station maintenance, equipment upgrades, and scientific installations — all performed in the extreme environment of outer space. For many years, she held the record for the most spacewalk time by a female astronaut, cementing her place as a pioneer for women in space.

Born in the United States to Indian and Slovenian heritage, Sunita Williams has been a powerful symbol of diversity and international collaboration in science and exploration. Her achievements have inspired millions across the world, particularly young women and students from India and the global Indian diaspora, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Williams joined NASA in 1998 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998, following a distinguished career as a U.S. Navy officer and test pilot. She flew aboard multiple space missions, including long-duration stays on the ISS, where she also served as station commander, overseeing international crews and daily station operations.

Beyond records and numbers, Williams’ contribution lies in her role in advancing long-term human spaceflight. Her missions supported critical research in biology, physics, and human health — research that helps prepare astronauts for future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.

In her retirement message, Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the teams that made every mission possible. She acknowledged NASA engineers, international partners, and fellow astronauts, emphasizing that space exploration is always a collective effort.

NASA officials praised Williams for her dedication, professionalism, and trailblazing role, calling her career “a benchmark of excellence” in human spaceflight. Her departure marks the end of an era but also highlights the foundation she helped build for the next generation of astronauts.

As Sunita Williams steps away from active service, her legacy will continue to inspire future explorers. With over 600 days in orbit and countless milestones achieved, her career stands as a reminder of what is possible through perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of human exploration.