She Went for a Week, Stayed in Space for Nine Months: Record-Breaking Astronaut Suni Williams Retires
Veteran NASA astronaut Suni Williams has officially announced her retirement, bringing an extraordinary space career to a close. What was initially planned as a short Boeing Starliner test mission unexpectedly became her final journey into orbit, lasting far longer than anyone anticipated.
According to CNN, Williams joined NASA in 1998 and went on to set numerous records over more than 27 years of service. Announcing her retirement, she said:
“Anyone who knows me knows that space is my favorite place. Serving in the Astronaut Office and having the opportunity to fly to space three times has been an incredible honor.”
From Discovery to Soyuz
Williams first traveled to space in 2006 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, reaching the International Space Station (ISS). She later returned to orbit in 2012 via a Russian Soyuz capsule, further cementing her reputation as one of NASA’s most experienced long-duration astronauts.
A One-Week Mission Turned Into Nine Months
Her most talked-about mission came when she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore were selected to test Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on its first crewed flight. The mission was expected to last just one week.
However, technical issues with the Starliner capsule forced NASA to send the spacecraft back to Earth without a crew, citing safety concerns. As a result, Williams and Wilmore remained aboard the ISS for more than nine months, drawing global attention.
Despite the unexpected extension, both astronauts repeatedly emphasized that they enjoyed their time in orbit and were well prepared for the prolonged mission.
A Career Defined by Records
With 608 total days spent in space, Williams became the second-longest-serving NASA astronaut in terms of cumulative time in orbit, behind Peggy Whitson.
She also completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours, making her one of the most accomplished female astronauts in spacewalking history and placing her fourth worldwide in that category.
Williams is also remembered for remarkable firsts:
- In 2007, she became the first person to run a marathon in space.
- In 2012, she completed the first triathlon in orbit, using a stationary bike, resistance equipment to simulate swimming, and a treadmill secured with a harness.
A Lasting Legacy
NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche praised Williams, stating that she had been “a pioneering leader throughout her remarkable career.”
As Suni Williams steps away from active duty, she leaves behind not only records and milestones, but also a powerful legacy that continues to inspire future generations of space explorers.
