As astronaut Sunita Williams is set to return to earth from space early Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, in a letter to her, prayed for her good health and success in mission. She is expected to return at three am IST after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station(ISS).
Williams expressed her gratitude for the Prime Minister’s thoughtful gesture and the support from India during her time in space.
Prime Minister Modi’s letter, written on March 1 and sent through former National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)astronaut Mike Massimino, was shared on social media by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
“Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and
success in your mission,” Modi said in
the letter.
“After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters,” the prime minister said.
PM Modi recalled meeting Williams and her late father Deepak Pandya during his 2016 visit to the US.
He said he had met Massimino at a programme in New Delhi and Williams’ name came up during the conversation.
“During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you,” he said.
The prime minister said he enquired about Williams’ wellbeing while meeting President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden during his visits to the US.
He said 1.4 billion Indians had always taken great pride in Williams achievements. “Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.”
Modi said Williams’ mother Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting her return and he was sure that “Deepakbhai’s” blessings were with her as well. The prime minister also sent his warm regards to Williams’ husband Michael Williams.
Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore undocked from the ISS on Tuesday initiating a 17-hour journey back to earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Their return marks a significant milestone, as their mission was originally intended to last only eight days. However, technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft necessitated a prolonged stay in orbit.
As the Crew Dragon spacecraft prepares for splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, expected around 3:27 AM IST on Wednesday, NASA has coordinated closely with meteorologists to ensure favorable conditions for landing.
The spacecraft will undergo a series of critical maneuvers during its descent, including jettisoning its trunk and deploying parachutes to facilitate a safe landing.
Williams’ return is not just a personal achievement but also a display of resilience in overcoming unexpected challenges in space travel.
As she and Wilmore prepare to splash down, their journey home symbolises hope and inspiration for future generations of astronauts. Following their splashdown, recovery teams will be ready to retrieve them and bring them back safely to solid ground.
