PM Modi Greets Sunita Williams and Crew-9 Astronauts on Their Safe Return from Space
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed back NASA's Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, after their extended space mission. The Prime Minister praised their resilience and the efforts of those who ensured their safe return.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi welcomed Crew-9 back to Earth.
- Sunita Williams showcased exceptional perseverance.
- The astronauts spent nearly nine months in space.
- SpaceX’s Dragon capsule was used for their return.
- Williams and Wilmore initially planned an eight-day mission.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday celebrated the safe return of NASA's Crew-9, which featured astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were in orbit for nearly nine months.
On the social media platform X, PM Modi conveyed his admiration for their steadfastness, stating, "Welcome back, Crew-9! The Earth missed you. Their journey has been a testament to grit, courage, and the limitless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts have exemplified the essence of perseverance. Their unwavering resolve in the face of the vast unknown will continue to inspire millions."
PM Modi also commended the groundbreaking spirit of Sunita Williams, remarking, "Space exploration is about stretching the boundaries of human capability, daring to dream, and possessing the courage to transform those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a pioneer and an icon, has embodied this spirit throughout her career."
Expressing his gratitude to those who worked diligently for the safe return of the astronauts, the Prime Minister added, "We take immense pride in all those who labored tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have shown us the remarkable results that come when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity."
Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Tuesday evening aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
The spacecraft made a splashdown off the coast of Florida just minutes before 6 p.m., marking the successful end of an unexpected and extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
The capsule was subsequently retrieved by a recovery ship, with Hague being the first to exit. Williams emerged third, beaming and waving as she was assisted out of the spacecraft.
Initially, Williams and Wilmore had intended to spend only eight days in space when they launched on June 6, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner. However, due to a malfunction in the spacecraft, their return was postponed, and they were ultimately brought back on SpaceX's Dragon capsule.
