Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi extended a heartfelt welcome to astronaut Sunita Williams following her safe return to Earth after an extended nine-month space mission. Williams, along with her crewmates, returned aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission on March 18.
Atishi praised Williams for her bravery and dedication, stating that her achievements continue to inspire millions worldwide.
“After an extraordinary 9-month journey in space, your courage, dedication, and pioneering spirit continue to inspire millions. The world celebrates your safe return and eagerly awaits the knowledge and inspiration you bring. Moments like these continue to spark dreams across generations, reminding us all to reach beyond the stars. Welcome home!” Atishi wrote on X.
NASA Crew-9 astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov safely returned to Earth on Wednesday, marking the end of their extended space mission. Their spacecraft, the Crew Dragon, splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.
Following their return, the astronauts were carried out of the capsule on stretchers as a precautionary measure, a standard protocol for those who spend prolonged periods in space. SpaceX workers also rinsed the spacecraft with fresh water to remove salt deposits from the ocean.
A striking moment during the landing was captured on video, showing at least five dolphins circling the capsule as it floated on the water, seemingly welcoming the astronauts back to Earth.
Williams and Wilmore had originally embarked on a short-duration mission last June, expected to last only a week. However, due to technical delays with their Boeing Starliner capsule, their stay in space was extended to over nine months.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that US President Donald Trump had fulfilled his promise to bring home the “forgotten” astronauts, acknowledging their prolonged mission in space.
Sunita Williams’ return marks yet another milestone in her distinguished career as an astronaut, reinforcing her status as a role model for aspiring space explorers around the world.
