Washington: As the world continues to marvel at the wonders of space exploration, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has shared her plans to visit India, a nation that holds a special place in her heart. This journey is not just a return to her father’s homeland but also an opportunity to engage with India’s burgeoning space sector. During her recent nine-month stint at the International Space Station, Williams was captivated by the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, describing India as ‘amazing’ every time her spacecraft passed over these majestic mountains.
Williams, whose father, Deepak Pandya, hails from Gujarat, and her mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, is of Slovenian-American descent, is eager to connect with her roots and share her experiences with ISRO’s team. She expressed excitement about the upcoming ISRO mission, which will see Indian astronauts take to the cosmos. The astronaut’s enthusiasm for India’s space advancements is evident as she praised the nation’s progress in this field. Williams also noted her desire to help ISRO by sharing her vast space experience, emphasizing India’s role as a “great country” and a “wonderful democracy” in the space arena.
Williams humorously suggested that she would prepare her crew for Indian cuisine, particularly the spicy food, if they were to accompany her on her visit. She described India’s diverse landscape from space, highlighting the Himalayan mountain range and the vibrant cultural tapestry stretching from east to west. The fishing fleets off the coasts of Gujarat and Mumbai serving as a visual beacon were also a fascinating sight for her.
The NASA Crew-9, which included Williams, returned to Earth on March 19 after an extended nine-month mission due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This prolonged stay was initially intended to be just a week but became an extraordinary journey that allowed Williams to appreciate the beauty of Earth, including India, from an unparalleled perspective.
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