Exclusive: Sunita Williams on Nasa career, Starliner crisis, health worries

Speaking on India Today podcast UnPolitics, Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams reflects on her 27-year career and recent retirement announcement during a broadcast from a literature festival in India. Williams addressed media speculation regarding her health during her extended stay on the International Space Station, clarifying that she returned in good health despite the physical challenges of zero gravity.

The celebrated astronaut provided technical details on the Boeing Starliner mission, specifically the failure of five thrusters during docking. With 608 days spent in orbit, Williams discussed her connection to her Indian heritage, her spiritual upbringing, and her bond with the family of late astronaut Kalpana Chawla.

The veteran astronaut expressed optimism for the Gaganyaan mission and the 'golden age' of Indian space exploration through Isro and Nasa cooperation. Williams highlighted the personal sacrifices of long-duration missions and her transition to family life. Her account included observations of India from space, including the Himalayas and Mumbai, while encouraging the next generation of scientists to pursue careers in space exploration.