New Delhi: One of the most accomplished spacefarers of her generation NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after a distinguished 27-year long career marked by historic missions and enduring records. NASA confirmed on Tuesday that her retirement came into effect on December 27, 2025 just days after Christmas.

Williams’ departure brings the curtain down on a career that inspired millions and helped shape the future of human spaceflight. Her final mission was initially planned as a short 10-day trip but later stretched into an unexpected nine and a half months abroad the International Space Station which tested both her resilience and experience.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised her contribution, calling Williams a trailblazer whose leadership aboard the space station played a key role in advancing science, technology, and future exploration. He said her work laid important groundwork for Artemis missions to the Moon and future journeys to Mars.

608 days among stars

After being selected by NASA in 1998, Williams logged a remarkable 608 days in space across three missions which is the second-highest cumulative total by an NASA astronaut. She also ranks sixth among Americans for longest single spaceflight, spending 286 days in orbit during her final mission, tied with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore.

Williams carried out nine spacewalks during her career, totalling 62 hours and six minutes. This remains the highest spacewalk time by a female astronaut and places her fourth on NASA’s all-time list. She also made history as the first person to complete a marathon in space further cementing her legacy.

Defining three missions of her career

Williams made her spaceflight debut in December 2006 abroad space shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-116 mission. While serving as a flight engineer for Expedition 14 and 15 she set a then-world record with four spacewalks during the mission.

Her second journey came in July 2012 when she launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome for Expedition 32 and 33. During the 127-day mission she conducted three spacewalks including complex repairs to fix an ammonia leak and replace critical power system components.

Her third and longest mission began in June 2024 abroad Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Crew Flight Test. Williams and Wilmore later joined Expeditions 71 and 72 returning to Earth in March 2025 after an extended stay.

Williams Indian roots and life beyond space

Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio and traces her roots to Gujarat, where her father, a neuroanatomist, was born before moving to the United States. She considers Needham, Massachusetts her hometown and lives with her husband Michael enjoying outdoor activities, fitness and time with their dogs.

While reflecting on her journey, Williams said space would always remain her favourite place. She described her career as an honour and credited her colleagues and the International Space Station for making future exploration possible. As NASA prepares for its next giant leap, Sunita Williams leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.