News Headline
Galactic legend Sunita Williams hangs up her spacesuit after 27 years
WASHINGTON: After nearly three decades of trailblazing service, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired, leaving behind a career defined by courage, pioneering achievements, and a passion for exploration that has inspired generations. Her retirement, effective December 27, 2025, marks the end of an era in human spaceflight and the celebration of one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts.
Williams’ journey in space began in December 2006 aboard space shuttle Discovery with STS-116, followed by a return to Atlantis during STS-117. She served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 14/15, completing a record-breaking four spacewalks during the mission, establishing herself as a formidable presence aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
In 2012, Williams launched from Kazakhstan on a 127-day mission as part of Expeditions 32/33, taking command of the station during Expedition 33. Her time on the ISS included three spacewalks to repair a radiator leak and replace critical power components, demonstrating her technical skill and leadership under pressure.
Most recently, Williams returned to space aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 and later joined Expedition 71/72, once again assuming command of the ISS. Over her career, she accumulated 608 days in space, placing her second among NASA astronauts in cumulative time off Earth. She also completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, the most ever by a woman, and became the first person to run a marathon in space.
“Sunita Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” said NASA administrator Jared Isaacman. “Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars, and her extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations to dream big.”
Williams’ contributions extended beyond her missions. She was a NEEMO crew member in 2002, spending nine days living underwater to simulate space conditions. She served as deputy chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, directed operations in Star City, Russia, and helped establish helicopter training platforms for future lunar missions.
A retired U.S. Navy captain, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in physical science from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology. She is an accomplished helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, logging over 4,000 flight hours across 40 aircraft.
“Anyone who knows me knows that space is my absolute favourite place to be,” Williams said. “It’s been an incredible honour to serve in the Astronaut Office and fly in space three times. The ISS, the people, the engineering, and the science are awe-inspiring and have made the next steps of exploration to the Moon and Mars possible.”
Colleagues praised her leadership and spirit. Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson, said, “She’s inspired so many people, including myself and other astronauts. We’re all going to miss her greatly and wish her nothing but the best.”
From repairing the ISS in orbit to running a marathon in microgravity, from leading crews to shaping astronaut training for the future, Sunita Williams’ career is a testament to skill, courage, and the human spirit’s boundless reach. Her retirement marks the close of a chapter, but her legacy will continue to guide explorers venturing beyond Earth.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
