NASA astronaut Suni Williams has retired after 27 years with the agency, including a nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The 60-year-old former Navy captain left NASA in December 2023, following a career marked by records and high-profile missions.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Williams retired from NASA on December 31, 2023, ending a career that included three spaceflights and a combined 608 days in orbit. She holds the record for the most spacewalk time by a woman, with over 62 hours across nine operations.
Her final mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June 2024 was intended to last 10 days but extended to 286 days due to technical problems. Williams and fellow astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore returned to Earth in March 2024 aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
Deeper Dive & Context
Record-Breaking Career
Williams launched into space three times: aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 2006, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2012, and the Starliner mission in 2024. Her 608 days in space rank second among NASA astronauts, behind Peggy Whitson’s 695 days.
She was also the first astronaut to run a marathon in space, completing the 2007 Boston Marathon while aboard the ISS.
Starliner Mission Controversy
The extended stay on the ISS sparked political debate, with former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk alleging that Williams and Wilmore were “stuck” due to neglect by the Biden administration. Trump framed their return on a SpaceX capsule as a “rescue” by Musk.
Williams and Wilmore denied feeling abandoned, though Wilmore acknowledged they were “stuck” in certain respects. Williams emphasized their focus on teamwork and mission objectives.
Legacy and Recognition
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Williams as “a trailblazer in human spaceflight.” Her retirement follows Wilmore’s departure from NASA in 2023.
The Starliner mission’s delays have raised questions about Boeing’s spacecraft development, though NASA has not publicly criticized the program. Williams’ career highlights both the achievements and challenges of modern space exploration.