Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a heartfelt letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams as she prepares to return to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
His message, delivered by astronaut Mike Massimino, conveyed India’s deep pride in her achievements.
In the letter, PM Modi expressed, “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts,” underscoring the admiration of 1.4 billion Indians. He praised Williams for her contributions to space exploration and extended an invitation for her to visit India upon her return.
Williams, alongside fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, undocked from the ISS on 18 March 2025, commencing a 17-hour journey back to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Their return is highly anticipated, as their mission was initially planned for just eight days but was prolonged due to technical difficulties with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
As their capsule prepares to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, NASA has been closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, expected around 3:27 AM IST on 19 March.
The spacecraft will execute a series of critical maneuvers, including the jettisoning of its trunk and the deployment of parachutes to slow its descent.
Williams expressed her gratitude for the Prime Minister’s thoughtful gesture and the support she has received from India throughout her mission.
Her return signifies not only a personal achievement but also the resilience required to overcome unexpected challenges in space travel.
As she and Wilmore prepare for landing, their journey back to Earth stands as an inspiration for future generations of astronauts. Recovery teams will be on standby to retrieve them and ensure their safe return to solid ground.
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