A remarkable journey in human space exploration has come to an end with the retirement of one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts.
After 27 years of service, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams retired from the agency with effect from December 27, 2025. Over the course of her career, Williams flew 3 missions to the International Space Station and set multiple records that placed her among the most experienced astronauts in NASA history.
“Sunita 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. “Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and advancing toward Mars… thank you for your service to NASA and our nation.”
Williams spent a total of 608 days in space, ranking 2nd among NASA astronauts for cumulative time in orbit. She is 6th on the list of longest single spaceflights by an American, tied with astronaut Butch Wilmore at 286 days during NASA’s Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9 missions. She carried out 9 spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, the highest by a woman and the 4th highest overall. She was also the first person to run a marathon in space.
“Over the course of Suni’s impressive career trajectory, she has been a pioneering leader,” said Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “Her exceptional dedication to the mission will inspire the future generations of explorers.”
Williams first flew in space aboard space shuttle Discovery on STS-116 in December 2006 and returned on STS-117 aboard Atlantis. She served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 14/15 and completed a then-record 4 spacewalks. In 2012, she launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 127-day Expedition 32/33 mission and later commanded Expedition 33, performing 3 spacewalks for critical station repairs.
Her most recent mission began in June 2024 aboard Starliner as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. Williams joined Expeditions 71/72, commanded Expedition 72, completed 2 spacewalks, and returned to Earth in March 2025 via SpaceX Crew-9.
Beyond spaceflight, Williams served in NEEMO in 2002, was deputy chief of the Astronaut Office, led operations in Star City, Russia, and helped set up helicopter training for future Moon missions. A retired U.S. Navy captain, she has logged over 4,000 flight hours across 40 aircraft.
“Anyone who knows me knows that space is my absolute favorite place to be,” Williams said. “I had an amazing 27-year career at NASA… and I can’t wait to watch the agency make history.”
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