PM Modi Writes Heartfelt Letter to ‘Illustrious Daughter’ Sunita Williams

Sunita Williams Homecoming: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, referring to her as an "illustrious daughter" of India, following the long-awaited departure of two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS). In a letter dated March 1 and shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern for Sunita Williams, who had been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024. 

Sunita Williams Homecoming: PM Modi Inquired About India’s Daughter During US Visit 

The Prime Minister shared that during his recent visits to the United States, he had inquired about her well-being with both President Donald Trump and his successor, Joe Biden . The letter was made public shortly after Williams and her colleague, Butch Wilmore, began their journey back to Earth, ending a challenging nine-month stay in space. 

"1.4 billion Indians have always taken immense pride in your achievements. The recent developments have once again highlighted your extraordinary fortitude and perseverance," the Prime Minister wrote. "Though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your health and the success of your mission," he continued, addressing the 59-year-old astronaut.

Looking ahead to her return, PM Modi added, “We are eager to welcome you to India. It will be an honor for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters.”
Sunita Williams Set to Return to Earth After Nearly Nine Months in Space

Sunita Williams Set to Return to Earth After Nearly Nine Months in Space

After a prolonged stay of almost nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally preparing to return to Earth on Wednesday.

According to NASA, the SpaceX spacecraft carrying the astronauts detached from the ISS at 05:05 GMT, marking the beginning of their journey home.

SpaceX’s Dragon 10, which will replace Williams and other Crew-9 astronauts aboard the ISS, successfully docked with the space station on March 16, after earlier attempts by both SpaceX and Boeing to launch had been delayed for various reasons.

Williams and Wilmore are expected to land in the waters near Florida at 5:57 PM EDT (3:27 AM IST on March 19), bringing an end to their extended mission.