Sunita Williams, one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of human spaceflight, has retired from NASA after an extraordinary 27-year career. Her retirement follows a historic and unexpected nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking the conclusion of a journey defined by endurance, leadership, and scientific excellence. According to a statement by NASA, Sunita Williams retired from the agency, effective December 27, 2025.
“Suni Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration through her leadership aboard the space station and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” said Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman, announcing the Indian-origin space legend’s retirement.
“Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and advancing toward Mars, and her extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your service to NASA and our nation.”
Sunita was born in Euclid, Ohio, and considers Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. Her father, a neuroanatomist, was born in Jhulasan in Gujarat’s Mehsana district and later migrated to the United States, where he married Bonnie Pandya, who is of Slovenian origin. Outside her professional life, Williams and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending time with their dogs
Williams retires from NASA after 27 years
