NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has shared her awe-inspiring experience of seeing India from space, describing it as a stunning network of lights, with the Himalayas and Mumbai standing out prominently.
When asked about her view of India from space, Williams responded with admiration:
“Amazing, just amazing.”
Having spent 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Williams reminisced about the breathtaking sights she witnessed. She shared, “India is incredible. Every time we passed over the Himalayas, Butch (Wilmore, fellow astronaut) captured some incredible pictures—it was just mesmerizing.”
During her time on the ISS, Williams had ample opportunity to observe the Indian subcontinent. Describing her perspective, she said:
“I have always described it as a ripple effect caused by tectonic plates colliding, which then flows into India, displaying a myriad of colors. Approaching from the East towards Gujarat and Mumbai, the fishing fleet along the coast acts as a beacon, signaling our arrival. Across India, what struck me most was the vast network of lights—from large cities to smaller towns. It’s breathtaking both at night and during the day, with the Himalayas creating a magnificent backdrop.”
Excited about India’s growing space ambitions, Williams expressed enthusiasm for NASA’s upcoming Axiom mission, which will feature Subhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot. She hopes to share her experiences with as many people in India as possible, saying, “India is an incredible country and a thriving democracy. I look forward to contributing to its spaceflight program.”
Williams’ most recent mission, originally planned for eight days, was unexpectedly extended to over nine months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner. As a result, she and Wilmore had to return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Reflecting on the situation, Wilmore remarked, “In some ways, we were stuck. In other ways, maybe we were stranded. But in the grand scheme, we were never truly stuck because we were well-trained and prepared.”
The astronauts acknowledged the support from former US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who played key roles in ensuring their safe return. Williams noted, “Our situation brought attention to the International Space Station, making people, including the President and Elon, recognize the importance of our role as a space-faring nation.”
Looking ahead, Williams expressed her desire to visit India, the homeland of her parents, and hopes to bring her crew members along. When Wilmore showed interest in joining her, she enthusiastically replied, “Absolutely!” With a touch of humor, she added, “You might stand out a little, but don’t worry—we’ll get you ready for some spicy food!”
