Sunita Williams Sets Spacewalking Record: Achievements And Facts To Know About The Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut

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Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin NASA astronaut, who set records on her three flights to the International Space Station has recently made headlines by breaking the record for the longest total spacewalking time logging a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes surpassing former astronaut Peggy Whitson’s total spacewalking time of 60 hours and 21 minutes.

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In 2007, she became the first person to run a marathon in space, completing the Boston Marathon on a treadmill in the International Space Station (ISS).

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Williams spent 195 days in space during her second mission (Expedition 32/33), which was the longest single spaceflight by a woman until 2017

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Throughout her career, she spent more than 322 days in space which made her earn her position as one of the most experienced female astronauts in history.

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On STS-116 Mission in 2006 Williams flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery to the ISS, where she served as a flight engineer. Where as in Expedition 14/15 (2006-2007) she conducted multiple spacewalks and contributed to various scientific experiments during these missions. And in expedition 32/33 (2011) mission she continued her work on the ISS and further extended her record for spacewalks.

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She was selected as one of the first astronauts for U.S. commercial space missions in 2015, she piloted Boeing's CST-100 Starliner during its first crewed test flight in June 2024.

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In 2008, Williams received India's third-highest civilian award for her contributions to space exploration and Defense Superior Service also awarded for her exceptional service in the U.S. Navy. She was also recognized by Navy Commendation and NASA Spaceflight for her achievements and contributions to NASA missions