credits- republic biz
PM Modi’s Message to Sunita Williams
In a letter dated March 1, which was shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the Prime Minister acknowledged Williams’ resilience and perseverance during her extended stay on the ISS. Modi also mentioned that he had inquired about her well-being while meeting former US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden during his visits to the United States.
Expressing his admiration for her achievements, PM Modi invited her to visit India, stating, “Looking forward to seeing you in India.” The letter was publicly released just hours after Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore finally departed for Earth aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Sunita Williams’ Extended Stay on ISS
Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS in June 2024 as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test mission. However, technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft delayed their return, keeping them on board for far longer than expected.
Their mission, originally planned for a shorter duration, became one of the longest unplanned stays for astronauts in recent history. NASA and Boeing worked extensively to address technical glitches and ensure a safe return.
A Celebrated Astronaut with Indian Roots
Sunita Williams, born to an Indian father and Slovenian mother, has been an inspirational figure in space exploration. This was her third mission to space, and over the years, she has set multiple records, including being one of the first female astronauts to command the ISS.
