Sunita Williams is an Indian-American astronaut and former U.S. Navy officer known for her record-breaking space missions.
She has spent over 300 days in space and performed multiple spacewalks, inspiring millions worldwide.
With roots in Gujarat, India, and a passion for science and exploration, she has become a global icon.
Her life story reflects dedication, courage, and the limitless potential of human ambition.

1. Infobox 

Field	Details
Name	Sunita Lyn Williams
Image
Caption	Astronaut Sunita Williams in NASA flight suit
Birth Name	Sunita Lyn Pandya Williams
Birth Date	September 19, 1965
Birth Place	Euclid, Ohio, United States
Death Date	N/A (Alive)
Death Place	N/A
Resting Place	N/A
Nationality	American
Citizenship	United States
Other Names	Suni
Education	B.S. in Physical Science; M.S. in Engineering Management
Alma Mater	United States Naval Academy; Florida Institute of Technology
Occupation	Astronaut, Navy Officer
Years Active	1987–present
Known For	Long-duration space missions, record-setting spacewalks
Notable Works	ISS Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33; first woman to run marathon in space
Spouse(s)	Michael J. Williams
Children	None publicly known
Parents	Dr. Deepak Pandya (father), Ursuline Bonnie Pandya (mother)
Relatives	Indian-American (father), Slovenian-American (mother)
Website	NASA Profile

2. Early Life and Education

• Date and Place of Birth: September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, USA
                                     

• Family Background: Her father is from Gujarat, India; her mother is of Slovenian descent.
  
  

• Education History:
  

  • Needham High School (1983)
    
    

  • B.S. in Physical Science, U.S. Naval Academy (1987)
    
    

  • M.S. in Engineering Management, Florida Institute of Technology (1995)
    
    

• Early Interests and Influences: Inspired by flight and the achievements of astronauts; began her career as a Navy pilot.
  
  

3. Career

Career Beginnings

• Joined the U.S. Navy in 1987 as an ensign and was designated a helicopter pilot.
  
  

• Participated in Operation Desert Shield and became a test pilot in 1993.
  
  

Major Milestones

• Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998.
  
  

• Logged over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft.

Significant Achievements

• ISS Expedition 14/15 (2006–2007): Spent 195 days in space.
  
  

• ISS Expedition 32/33 (2012): Commanded Expedition 33; stayed 127 days.
  

• Set a then-record for cumulative spacewalk time by a woman (over 50 hours).
  

• First person to run a marathon in space (Boston Marathon, 2007).

Collaborations and Partnerships

• Worked with international partners aboard the ISS.
  
  

• Assigned to Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner mission as a future commander.

4. Personal Life

• Marital Status: Married to Michael J. Williams, a federal police officer.
  
  

• Children: No publicly known children.
  
  

• Hobbies and Interests: Running, swimming, reading, practicing yoga, and working with animal shelters.

• Philanthropy and Activism: Promotes STEM education, women in science, and space awareness globally.

5. Death and Legacy

• Death: Not applicable (Sunita Williams is alive).
  
  

• Legacy: One of the most inspiring female astronauts; a role model for young women and people of Indian origin aspiring to enter space or aviation fields.

6. Awards and Honors

• NASA Space Flight Medal
  
  

• NASA Distinguished Service Medal
  
  

• Defense Superior Service Medal
  
  

• Padma Bhushan (India), 2008
  
  

• Honorary Doctorates from several U.S. and Indian institutions

• Numerous aviation and academic recognitions

7. Bibliography / Filmography / Discography

• No published works by her, but featured in several documentaries and educational videos:
  
  

  • “Women in Space” (National Geographic)
    
    

  • Interviews on NASA TV, BBC, CNN, and NDTV
    
    

8. References

• NASA Official Bio: Link
  
  

• Space.com and National Geographic articles
  
  

• Interviews with BBC, The Hindu, and Times of India

9. External Links

• NASA Twitter (@NASA)