Incredible Insights: Sunita Williams Shares Her Perspective on India from Space

Synopsis

Indian astronaut Sunita Williams reflects on her experiences of viewing India from space during a press conference after her ISS mission. She describes the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the vibrant colors of India, while expressing her desire to support the country's space program.

Key Takeaways

Williams describes India from space as amazing.
She fondly recalls the Himalayas and stunning photographs taken during her mission.
Viewing India at night revealed a network of lights across cities.
Williams emphasizes her Indian heritage and connection to her roots.
She looks forward to contributing to India's space ambitions.

New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) Sunita Williams, an astronaut of Indian origin, reflected on her breathtaking experiences of seeing India from space during a recent press conference, just days after returning to Earth from her extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Having spent a total of 286 days in space, Williams was asked how India appeared from above, and she simply answered, "Amazing, just amazing."

Known for celebrating her Indian heritage, Williams expressed her fascination with the stunning views of the Himalayas. She reminisced about how her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, would take extraordinary photographs each time the ISS passed over the majestic mountain range.

"Every time we went over the Himalayas, Butch got incredible pictures; it is just amazing," she said, clearly nostalgic about those moments.

For Williams, who often speaks about her Indian roots, seeing India from space was a personal connection to her heritage.

"I have described it before like this ripple that happened when the plates collided, and then, as it flows down into India, it is many-many colours," she explained.

She also detailed how seeing Gujarat and Mumbai from above made the fishing fleets off the coast a familiar landmark, evoking a feeling of homecoming.

"It gives you a little bit of a beacon, here we come," Williams remarked.

Furthermore, Williams highlighted the spectacular sight of India at night, where a network of lights extended from larger cities to smaller towns, with the grandeur of the Himalayas as a backdrop. This unique view, in her words, was truly "incredible."

The 59-year-old astronaut also shared her enthusiasm for NASA's upcoming Axiom mission, which will transport four astronauts to space, including Subhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut.

"It's pretty awesome," she said, recognizing Shukla as a "hometown hero" for India.

Williams also expressed her eagerness to contribute to India's space program, stating her desire to share her experiences and assist in the country's expanding space aspirations. "I would love to be a part of that and help them along," she added.

With her parents hailing from India, Williams expressed her wish to visit her "father's country" soon. As she conversed with Wilmore, they joked about taking their crew members on a trip to India. "You might stick out a little bit. That is okay. We will get you all primed for some spicy food," she said with a chuckle.