Astronaut Sunita Williams Official Retires From NASA, Internet Honours Her Legacy!

Sunita Williams' last space venture was in 2024-2025 on Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9.

It’s the month of some legends retiring. After the official news of Saina Nehwal’s official retirement from badminton, now Indian-origin Sunita Williams is making headlines after NASA announced the astronaut’s retirement after 27 years in service. NASA also mentioned some of the greatest milestones of Sunita Williams long career as an astronaut and it’s a moment of pride for all of us. Read on to know more.

Sunita Williams Official Retires From NASA

Sunita Williams has served NASA for 27 years and she has officially stepped down now. The announcement was made by the space organisation, and as per the same, her official retirement began from December 27th. As per NASA, Sunita Williams was onboard with three major space missions of the organisation, and she spend 608 days in space, which was the second-most number of days for a NASA astronaut. She was also the first female astronaut to do 9 spacewalks, and she was also first person to ever do run a marathon in space in 2007. Her last mission with NASA happened in 2024-2025 with Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9 during which commanded Expedition 72. She returned to Earth in March, 2025 and everyone had themselves glued to the screens.

Sunita Williams also worked with NASA on other operations like astronaut training and preparing the astronauts for future space missions. She has also served in the U.S Navy and retired as a Captain in 2017. Her first space mission happpened in with Expedition 14 crew in 2006.

.@NASA astronaut Suni Williams retires after 27 years, effective Dec. 27, 2025. Williams completed three missions aboard the International Space Station, setting numerous human spaceflight records. More… https://t.co/xrxErQKntr pic.twitter.com/CnRS693KSV

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) January 21, 2026

Also Read: Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement From Badminton, Talks About Health Issues!

Sunita Williams is an inspiration for so many, especially the women who aspire to become great astronauts like her. Her achievements would be a reminder that anything is possible if there is will!

End of an era. Sunita Williams’ retirement marks a remarkable journey of courage, discipline, and service. With over 600 days in space, three ISS missions, and 27 years of dedication, she has inspired generations across the world.#sunitawilliams #retirement #legacy pic.twitter.com/JqwZOYmtRx

— D. Murali Krishna (@iamdmkrishna) January 21, 2026

Also Read: All We Know About Mumbai Accident Involving Akshay Kumar’s Security Car

First Published: January 21, 2026 12:18 PM