Indian-origin astronaut Captain Sunita Williams is poised to embark on a historic journey aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, marking her third mission into space. The liftoff, scheduled for May 7, 2024, from the Kennedy Space Center, will see Williams become the first woman to fly on the maiden mission of a new human-rated spacecraft.
Williams, known for her remarkable achievements in space, including setting records for spacewalk time, will pilot the Crew Flight Test mission aboard the Starliner spacecraft. Born to Dr. Deepak Pandya and Bonnie Pandya, Williams has consistently made India proud with her stellar accomplishments in the field of space exploration.
With a cumulative total of 322 days spent in space across two previous missions, Williams brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her upcoming endeavor. Her selection as the pilot for the Crew Flight Test mission underscores her outstanding contributions to space exploration.
Before her departure, Williams expressed her spiritual connection by carrying a statue of Lord Ganesh, symbolizing good luck, on her space journey. She also shared her love for samosas and her dedication to her passions, such as marathon running, even in the unique environment of the International Space Station (ISS).
India’s space agency, ISRO, lauded Williams’ upcoming mission, emphasizing her role as a veteran astronaut contributing to another milestone in space exploration. Meanwhile, India prepares for its own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, with aspirations to send its own astronauts into space in the near future.
Williams’ maiden voyage on the Boeing Starliner represents a significant milestone in space exploration, showcasing her pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing human knowledge beyond the confines of Earth. As she prepares to make history once again, the world watches in anticipation of her remarkable journey aboard the spacecraft “Calypso,” named after the famed vessel of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
With Lord Ganesh by her side and her unwavering determination, Sunita Williams is set to inspire generations with her groundbreaking mission aboard the Boeing Starliner.
