Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts as they returned to Earth after over nine months of stay in space. "Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you," PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) along with a picture with Ms Williams. NASA's Crew-9 returned early Wednesday morning, in SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft and splashed down off the coast of Florida at 3:27 am (IST). Follow Sunita Williams Homecoming Live Updates Here
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore flew aboard NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test to space on June 5 last year. The eight-day mission turned into a 286-day stay as issues were reported in the Starliner.
PM Modi defined the nine-month stay at the International Space Station (ISS) as a "test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit." PM Modi lauded astronauts' perseverance and determination amid uncertainty.
"Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions," he wrote.
READ | Watch: Moment Sunita Williams' Spacecraft Splashed Down Off Florida Coast
PM Modi further said, "space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career."
PM Modi also appreciated the team that worked tirelessly to ensure astronauts' safe return. "We are incredibly proud...They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity."
Yesterday, hours after Sunita Williams and her colleague, Butch Wilmore, undocked from the ISS and started their journey home, Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared a letter from PM Modi to astronaut Williams.
In a letter dated March 1, PM Modi said he had inquired about the well-being of Ms Williams when he met President Donald Trump and ex-President Joe Biden, during his visits to the US. In his letter, PM Modi shared what made him write to her - a meeting with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino in Delhi. The duo talked about Ms Williams and shared the common feeling of "pride" in her and her work.
"1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance. Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission," PM wrote.
The Prime Minister also recalled meeting Ms Williams during his visit to the US in 2016 and added that he looks forward to seeing her in India. "It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters," he added.
Sunita Williams' Journey From Earth To Space And Back
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore flew aboard NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test to space on June 5 last year. The two astronauts went on an eight-day mission to the ISS but, on June 6, as Starliner approached the space station, NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft reaction control thrusters. The Starliner was sent back to Earth without the crew.
Later, in August, it was decided to reassign the two astronauts to SpaceX's Crew-9 mission. This meant, downsizing the Crew-9 from four to two and dropping NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, previously announced as crewmates, to make space for Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore.
NASA astronaut Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov flew to the space station as commander and mission specialist, respectively, as part of a two-crew member flight aboard a SpaceX Dragon.
Today, after over nine months, the Crew-9 team returned to earth.
After a 17-hour-long journey, the spacecraft deployed its parachute before a splashdown in the ocean off the coast of Florida.
