Isro welcomes Sunita Williams home: 'Your resilience continues to inspire'

While appreciating the astronauts, Isro Chairman Dr V Narayanan expressed the organisation's desire to utilise Sunita Williams' expertise in space exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) welcomed Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their safe return to Earth on Wednesday morning after being stranded in space for nine months.

 

In a statement posted on X, Isro Chairman Dr V Narayanan lauded Sunita Williams, who is of Indian origin from her father's side, and described her return as a “remarkable journey.” Narayanan also expressed the organisation’s desire to utilise Williams' expertise in space exploration.

 

“Welcome back, Sunita Williams! Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement. A testament to Nasa, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration! Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire space enthusiasts around the world. As Secretary DoS and Chairman Isro, I on behalf of my colleagues extend a warm greetings to you and wish you a great day ahead. When Bharat under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi ji is working towards making India as a developed country, we wish to utilise your expertise in the space exploration,” Isro posted on X.   

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Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth

 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are back on Earth after spending nine unexpected months in space. Their mission was supposed to last only eight days, but technical problems kept them on the International Space Station (ISS) much longer.

 

It all began last June when their Boeing Starliner spacecraft had issues, so Nasa had to send it back to Earth without them. They had to stay on the ISS until SpaceX, Elon Musk's space firm, could bring them home. However, even that was delayed due to problems with the SpaceX capsule.  ALSO READ | Here's what Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore ate during their time in space

 

Finally, on Wednesday morning (IST), the SpaceX capsule carrying them landed safely off the coast of Florida. 

PM Modi warmly welcomed Sunita Williams

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed Sunita Williams and Barry Willmore on their return to Earth. PM Modi lauded Williams, who is of Indian origin from her father's side, calling her a "trailblazer" and an "icon."

 

The Prime Minister shared a post on X, featuring a picture of him and Sunita Williams with her father. "Welcome back, Crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage, and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions," he said.

 

"Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career. We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity," the PM added.