Sunita Williams Spacewalk Record: 62 Hours 6 Minutes | Indian-Origin Astronaut

Williams’ latest spacewalk, which pushed her past Peggy Whitson’s record, lasted 5 hours and 26 minutes. The EVA began at 7:43 AM Eastern Time (ET) and concluded at 1:09 PM ET.

Mission Details:

Working alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore, Williams completed a series of crucial maintenance tasks outside the International Space Station. The work involved equipment repairs and system upgrades essential for the station’s continued operation.

Historic Significance:

With this achievement, Williams now holds the record for the longest cumulative spacewalking hours by any woman in history. She ranks 4th on NASA’s all-time spacewalking list (including male astronauts), highlighting her extensive experience in extravehicular missions.

NASA officially confirmed the milestone via its X (formerly Twitter) account, celebrating Williams’ extraordinary feat. The global space community, including space agencies and astronauts worldwide, congratulated her on this historic achievement.

Sunita Lyn Williams is an American astronaut of Indian descent, born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, USA. Her father, Dr. Deepak Pandya, was an Indian neuroanatomist from Gujarat, India.

Background:

Before joining NASA, Williams served as a U.S. Navy test pilot and helicopter pilot. She was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1987 and became a naval aviator in 1989. Her military service included combat deployments and test pilot duties.

NASA Career:

Williams was selected by NASA in 1998 and completed her training in 2000. She has participated in multiple ISS expeditions, including Expeditions 14, 15, 32, and 33. Her current mission began with the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test in June 2024.

Indian Connection:

Williams has always acknowledged her Indian heritage, carrying a small Ganesha idol, a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, and samosas during her space missions. She has visited India multiple times and met with Indian Prime Ministers and ISRO scientists.

Williams and Wilmore initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 for what was planned as an eight-day mission. However, technical malfunctions have forced them to remain in space indefinitely.

Issues with Boeing Starliner:

1. Helium Leaks: Persistent helium leaks have raised concerns about the spacecraft’s structural integrity. Helium is used to pressurize the propulsion system.

2. Thruster Malfunctions: The spacecraft’s propulsion system encountered unexpected failures in several reaction control thrusters, affecting maneuverability.

3. NASA’s Safety-First Response: Rather than risk the astronauts’ safety, NASA has delayed their return and is prioritizing a thorough investigation of the issues.

Return Plan:

NASA currently plans to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth in March 2025 via a SpaceX spacecraft (Crew Dragon), which has a proven safety track record. Until then, both astronauts remain aboard the ISS, contributing to ongoing scientific research.

Sunita Williams has accumulated numerous records and achievements throughout her distinguished career:

Spacewalk Records:

Nine spacewalks — the most by any woman astronaut in history. 62 hours and 6 minutes of cumulative spacewalking time — the longest by any woman. 4th on NASA’s all-time spacewalking list (all genders).

Space Triathlon (2012):

Williams became the first person to complete a triathlon in space. She participated remotely in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon by swimming, cycling, and running on ISS exercise equipment while orbiting Earth — inspiring millions worldwide.

Time in Space:

She has spent a total of 322 days in space (and counting), participating in multiple ISS expeditions including Expeditions 14, 15, 32, 33, and the current extended mission.

Military Service:

Before NASA, Williams served as a U.S. Navy test pilot and helicopter pilot with over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft types.

Sunita Williams’ success represents a major milestone for women in space exploration. Her achievements pave the way for future astronauts and demonstrate that women can match and exceed their male counterparts in endurance and expertise.

Upcoming Female Astronaut Milestones:

1. NASA’s Artemis Program: Aiming to land the first woman on the Moon by 2026. This will be a historic moment — over 50 years after the last Apollo mission, a woman will walk on the lunar surface.

2. ESA’s Samantha Cristoforetti: European astronaut who has also made significant contributions to spacewalking and ISS missions, inspiring women across Europe.

3. India’s Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO’s human spaceflight program includes plans to send Indian astronauts to space, with discussions about including women astronauts in future missions.

Williams’ achievements set a strong precedent, proving that women astronauts are indispensable to humanity’s space exploration ambitions.