Biography of Sunita Williams

 Biography of Sunita Williams

Sunita Lyn Williams (née Pandya) was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, USA. She grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. Her father, Deepak Pandya, is of Indian descent, and her mother, Bonnie Pandya, is of Slovenian origin.

She completed her schooling at Needham High School in 1983 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science from the United States Naval Academy (1987). She also obtained a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Florida Institute of Technology (1995).

Naval Career

Williams was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy in 1987 and became a naval aviator in 1989. She flew helicopters and was deployed in various missions, including in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea.

She later became a test pilot, logging over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft types before being selected as an astronaut in 1998.

Astronaut Career & Space Missions

Sunita Williams was selected by NASA in 1998 and became an astronaut in 1999. She has flown on two space missions:

Expedition 14/15 (2006-2007, STS-116 & STS-117)

Spent 195 days in space, setting a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman at the time.

Conducted four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes.

Ran the Boston Marathon in space on a treadmill.

Expedition 32/33 (2012, Soyuz TMA-05M)

Spent 127 days in space and served as Commander of the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the second woman to hold that position.

Performed three spacewalks, bringing her total EVA (extravehicular activity) time to 50 hours and 40 minutes.

As of now, she has spent 322 days in space and completed seven spacewalks, making her one of the most experienced female astronauts.

Upcoming Mission (Boeing Starliner, 2024)

Sunita Williams is assigned to the first crewed test flight of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This mission will mark her return to space.

Awards & Honors

NASA Space Flight Medal

NASA Distinguished Service Medal

NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal

Defence Superior Service Medal (U.S. Navy)

Padma Bhushan (2020, India’s third-highest civilian award)

Personal Life

Sunita Williams is married to Michael J. Williams, a federal police officer. She is passionate about running, swimming, and adventure sports.

She is admired worldwide for her contributions to space exploration and serves as an inspiration, especially for women in STEM fields.