Veteran NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who recently announced her retirement after a distinguished 27-year career, said she would have loved to travel to space again but was equally happy to see a new generation of astronauts doing “wonderful jobs”.
Speaking during her visit to Kozhikode to attend the ninth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival, Williams reflected on her journey, her experiences aboard the International Space Station, and her optimism about India’s growing space ambitions.
‘I would love to go to space again’
Williams, one of the most experienced astronauts of NASA, said the desire to return to space still remained strong. “I would love to go to space again, but my husband would kill me. I have some things to do at home,” she said with a smile, adding that she was excited to watch young astronauts take the lead.
Life during extended space mission
Recalling her extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station with crewmate Butch Wilmore due to technical issues with an experimental capsule, Williams spoke candidly about daily life in orbit. She said the focus was on staying productive and contributing as a team.
“These may not be the most glorious jobs in space, but you need to pitch in,” she said, referring to routine tasks such as managing food supplies and maintaining hygiene facilities, alongside scientific experiments.
Team spirit in difficult moments
Williams highlighted the importance of teamwork when it became clear that their return would be delayed. She noted the sacrifice made by other astronauts who gave up their seats to ensure she and Wilmore could return safely, calling it a powerful example of cooperation and trust.
Optimistic about India’s space journey
Expressing enthusiasm for India’s progress, Williams said she was excited about the direction of the Indian space programme. She noted that as India becomes more involved internationally while strengthening its own capabilities, it is well-positioned to achieve significant milestones in human spaceflight.