Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has made history again by becoming the commander of the International Space Station (ISS). Originally on an eight-day mission, her stay has now extended to over eight months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft she travelled in. Williams officially took command from Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko during a ceremony aboard the ISS. As a seasoned astronaut with significant experience in space, she is set to lead the crew in maintaining safety and conducting critical scientific research.
During the handover ceremony, Kononenko presented Williams with a symbolic golden key, used in the Soyuz spacecraft's docking port. Williams, visibly excited, celebrated the moment by playing with the key in the unique zero-gravity environment of the ISS. This marks Williams' second time commanding the space station; she previously held this role 12 years ago. With a total of 431 days spent in space over multiple missions, her expertise will be invaluable in her new leadership position.
Williams expressed gratitude to her fellow astronauts during the handover, saying, “This Expedition 71 has taught all of us a lot, the ability to adapt…you welcomed us as family.” Currently, she will oversee a team that includes Tracy C. Dyson and Nikolai Chub, who are preparing for their return to Earth after completing a year-long mission on the station.
As commander, Williams is focused on advancing scientific knowledge and showcasing new technologies for future exploration missions. The ISS, which has been continuously inhabited for 25 years, serves as a unique platform for research. It is a mini-city in space, weighing 419 tonnes and stretching 109 metres long – about the size of a football field. Astronauts aboard the ISS experience 16 sunrises each day, providing a remarkable view of Earth.
Williams, who was born to Dr. Deepak Pandya and Bonnie Pandya, is also a Navy-trained pilot and a marathon runner. She famously ran a marathon while aboard the ISS, showcasing her commitment to fitness. During this mission, she has expressed her love for Indian cuisine and plans to enjoy fish curry in space, continuing her tradition of savouring samosas on previous flights.
Before her launch, Williams shared that she carried an idol of Lord Ganesha as her good luck charm. With her extensive background and leadership qualities, Sunita Williams is set to make significant contributions during her time as commander, inspiring future generations of explorers and scientists. She is expected to return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon in February, marking another chapter in her extraordinary career in space exploration.