Veteran astronaut Sunita Williams retires after 27 years
Read, Watch or Listen
Washington — NASA announced Tuesday that veteran astronaut Sunita 'Suni' Williams retired effective December 27, 2025, after 27 years at the agency. Williams completed three International Space Station missions, logging 608 cumulative days in space and conducting nine spacewalks, including a 286-day single flight during Crew‑9/Starliner operations. NASA credited her leadership in advancing science, commercial low‑Earth‑orbit missions and preparations for Artemis lunar efforts. Williams also served in NEEMO underwater missions and as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. The agency released statements praising her service and records, noting influence on future exploration programs. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 1998 — Williams joins NASA as an astronaut candidate.
- 2002 — Participates in NEEMO underwater mission for extreme-environment training.
- June 2024–March 2025 — Records a 286-day single ISS flight during Crew‑9/Starliner operations.
- December 27, 2025 — Retirement from NASA becomes effective.
- January 20–21, 2026 — NASA and news outlets publish retirement announcements and career summaries.
- Articles Published:
- 5
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
NASA and the broader space community benefit from Williams' legacy through institutional knowledge, mentorship and operational experience that support future missions.
NASA and its astronaut corps lose an experienced crewmember whose long-duration flight experience and leadership will be absent from active missions.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Veteran astronaut Sunita Williams retires after 27 years
WHDH 7 Boston Asian News International (ANI) Free Press Journal http://www.uniindia.com/fadnavis-orders-probe-into-mumbai-pub-fire/states/news/1090400.html FinanzNachrichten.deFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
Comments