Sunita Williams arrives in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, who spent a record 195 days in space, arrived in the national capital this morning to a cheerful welcome by her fans.

The 42-year-old astronaut was welcomed at the airport by her fans and American Embassy officials who presented her with bouquets.

She arrived at the airport here at around 11:00 am from Hyderabad after attending the concluding session of the 58th International Astronautical Congress.

Williams is expected to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi besides other prominent personalities during her stay in the capital till October four. She will also interact with school children on Monday and share with them her experience as a space traveller.

Williams, whose father hails from Gujarat, reached Ahmedabad on September 20 and later proceeded to Hyderabad to attend the IAC.

During her stay in Gujarat, she visited the Sabarmati Ashram. Williams is the cousin of Haren Pandya, a former Gujarat home minister who was murdered in 2003.