NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth in March 2025 after her mission aboard a SpaceX capsule. How much time had she spent in space?

The correct answer is 608 days.

Key Points

• Sunita Williams, a NASA astronaut of Indian origin, has spent a cumulative 608 days in space over the course of her missions.
• She held the record for the most spaceflight time by a woman until it was surpassed by Peggy Whitson in 2017.
• Her most recent mission aboard a SpaceX capsule concluded in March 2025, marking her return to Earth.
• Sunita Williams has participated in two long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS), namely Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33.
• She is one of the most experienced astronauts in NASA's history and has conducted seven spacewalks totaling 50 hours and 40 minutes.

Additional Information

• SpaceX Crew Dragon:
  • SpaceX's Crew Dragon is a spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
  • It is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to enable private companies to provide human spaceflight services.
  • Sunita Williams was part of one of the Crew Dragon missions, showcasing advancements in commercial spaceflight.
• International Space Station (ISS):
  • The ISS is a modular space station in low Earth orbit, serving as a laboratory for scientific research and international collaboration.
  • It has been continuously inhabited since November 2000, with astronauts from various countries contributing to its operations.
  • Sunita Williams' missions aboard the ISS focused on scientific experiments, maintenance, and outreach activities.
• Spacewalks:
  • A spacewalk, or Extravehicular Activity (EVA), is when an astronaut exits a spacecraft to work in space.
  • Sunita Williams has performed seven spacewalks, placing her among the most experienced astronauts in this domain.
  • Her spacewalks include tasks such as repairing equipment and installing components on the ISS.
• NASA's Human Spaceflight Program:
  • NASA has been at the forefront of human space exploration since the Apollo program in the 1960s.
  • Programs such as the Space Shuttle, ISS, and Artemis are key milestones in NASA's efforts to explore space.
  • Sunita Williams' contributions to human spaceflight have been a significant part of NASA's achievements.