Sunita Williams: The Indian-American Astronaut Who Spent 322 Days in Space
Early Life and Education
Sunita Lyn Williams was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio. Her father, Deepak Pandya, was an Indian immigrant who worked as a neuroanatomist at the Cleveland Clinic, and her mother, Bonnie Pandya, was a Slovenian-American who worked as a nurse. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical science from the United States Naval Academy in 1987 and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1995.
NASA Career
Williams began her NASA career in 1998 when she was selected as an astronaut candidate. She completed her astronaut training in 2000 and was assigned as a mission specialist on the STS-116 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2006. She spent 12 days in space on this mission and performed two spacewalks. In 2007, Williams was assigned as a flight engineer on the Expedition 14 crew of the ISS. She launched to the ISS on December 10, 2007, and returned to Earth on June 24, 2008. During her time on the ISS, Williams conducted four spacewalks and set a new record for the most spacewalks by a woman.
Personal Life
Williams is married to Michael J. Williams, a former US Navy officer. The couple has one son, Dean.
Awards and Honors
Williams has received numerous awards and honors for her work in space, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. She has also been inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
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