Indian space agency ISRO has extended a warm welcome to astronaut Sunita Williams following her safe return from an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), expressing a keen interest in leveraging her expertise in future space exploration endeavours.
In a message shared on social media platform X, ISRO lauded Williams’ achievement and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of NASA, SpaceX, and the United States in advancing space research.
“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,” ISRO stated.
Furthermore, ISRO expressed its desire to collaborate with Williams in upcoming space missions.
“When Bharat, under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi ji, is working towards making India a developed country, we wish to utilise your expertise in space exploration,” the space agency remarked.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the astronauts’ resilience, describing their achievement as a milestone in human space exploration. “Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s #Crew9 on Earth! The crew, comprising India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space,” he wrote on X.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal also commended Williams, stating, “Welcome back to Earth, Sunita Williams. Your incredible nine-month journey in space has been truly inspiring. Your courage and dedication continue to ignite dreams across generations. The world celebrates your safe return and the knowledge you bring.”
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Similarly, BRS MLA Harish Rao congratulated the astronaut, noting, “Welcome back, #SunitaWilliams and crew! Space travel is never easy, but true explorers like you embody the spirit of embracing the unknown. After spending nine long months in space, you’ve finally touched down safely. Although the journey lasted longer than planned, your resilience, patience, and adaptability inspire us all—a true testament to perseverance!”
Earlier, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao also extended his congratulations to NASA’s astronauts, including Williams and Butch Wilmore, on their return to Earth.
The Crew-9 mission marked the fourth flight of the Dragon spacecraft Freedom, which had previously supported NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3. The spacecraft will undergo inspection and refurbishment at SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral facility before its next deployment.
Crew-9’s return follows the successful launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10, which docked with the ISS on 16 March, initiating another long-duration mission.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS and low Earth orbit.
The initiative seeks to expand research opportunities aboard the station while furthering NASA’s broader goals of human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
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