Amid extended space mission, Sunita Williams asks her 'astronaut mom' not to worry about her

What started off as an eight-day mission for NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, their space trip has to the International Space Station (ISS) has extended to eight months due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

The astronauts are now set to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon.

Amid the long and extended space voyage, it has not only become challenging for the space travellers but also their families back at earth may be worried about them.


However, Williams' family remains supportive and calm despite the unforeseen challenges. Michael J. Williams, her husband, and Bonnie Pandya, her mother, have both expressed confidence in her well-being and expertise.

Read More: Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore to be back on Earth in 2025 via SpaceX capsule

Sunita Williams Family on her Extended Space Mission

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal in August 2024, Michael Williams described the ISS as his wife's "happy place," highlighting her comfort and dedication to her work in space.

Bonnie Pandya, known as an "astronaut mom," also shared her perspective in an interview with NewsNation's Andrew Cuomo. "I don’t give her any advice. She knows what to do. She is a seasoned astronaut," Pandya stated. She also mentioned that she spoke with Sunita two days prior, and her daughter reassured her that "everything’s going to be fine," with a simple but reassuring message: "Don’t worry about me."

Why Williams is stuck in space?

The delay arose from several technical problems with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. As a result, NASA has arranged for the astronauts to be brought back by a SpaceX capsule, with their return now scheduled for early 2025.

Also Read: Nasa Shared Sunita Williams Daily Routine

According to NASA, the astronauts will continue their duties as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew until their expected return in February 2025. They will travel back to Earth aboard a Dragon spacecraft, which will also carry two other crew members from the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

Meanwhile, the Starliner spacecraft is scheduled to depart the ISS and perform a controlled autonomous re-entry and landing in early September.