Sunita Williams in Delhi: “The Space Race Should Be Democratic,” Says NASA Astronaut on First India Visit After Historic ISS Mission
New Delhi | January 20, 2026
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams received a hero’s welcome in New Delhi on Tuesday as she began her first high-profile visit to India since returning from her historic nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in March 2025.
Speaking to a packed hall at the American Center, the veteran astronaut reflected on life in orbit, the future of space exploration, and why she believes the next phase of the global space race must be open, cooperative, and sustainable.
“Coming Home”: An Emotional Return to India
Dressed in her signature blue flight suit and space-themed sneakers, Williams, 60, described her visit to the capital as deeply personal.
“I wanted to come to Delhi to express my thanks to the millions of people who prayed for our safe return,” she told an audience of students, scientists, and space enthusiasts. “One of the biggest lessons I learned up there is that people are fundamentally good.”
The room erupted in applause as she spoke about watching Earth from 400 kilometers above the surface — an experience she said changes how you see borders, conflicts, and humanity itself.
Key Highlights from Her Delhi Address
During her hour-long interactive session, Williams touched on some of the most pressing issues shaping what many now call the “New Space Age.”
A Sustainable and Democratic Space Race
Williams acknowledged that a new global competition is underway to return to the Moon and push deeper into space. But she stressed that cooperation, not rivalry, should define the future. She compared the ideal model to international agreements that protect Antarctica as a shared scientific zone.
The Growing Space Debris Crisis
She warned that orbital clutter has become a serious concern. Astronauts aboard the ISS, she noted, can now regularly spot chains of Starlink satellites passing through their field of view. Williams called for innovative “space cleanup” startups and global regulations to keep Earth’s orbit safe.
Commercialization and Innovation Beyond Governments
From 3D printing in microgravity to pharmaceutical research and next-generation propulsion systems, Williams said private companies are now playing a key role in expanding what is possible in space — not just national agencies.
Cleaner and Greener Rocket Fuels
As launch activity increases worldwide, she advocated for environmentally responsible propulsion systems to reduce the ecological footprint of space travel.
Looking Back at the “Extended” Mission
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, after what was supposed to be an eight-day test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft turned into a nine-month stay due to technical issues.
Speaking with humor, she brushed off the challenges, sharing lighthearted stories about celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving in microgravity — and even baking “space cakes” for her crewmates aboard the ISS.
“It wasn’t the mission we planned,” she joked, “but it became one we’ll never forget.”
What’s Next for Sunita Williams in India?
After her engagements in Delhi, Williams will travel south to Kerala, where she is set to be a headline speaker at the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2026 in Kozhikode, starting Thursday, January 22.
She is also expected to meet with scientists and officials at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore future areas of collaboration between India and the United States in space research and human spaceflight.
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