New Delhi, March 19: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended a warm welcome to NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, and other Crew-9 members after their safe return to Earth.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the crew splashed down off the coast of Florida in the early hours, marking the end of a prolonged and challenging mission.
Originally planned as an eight-day journey, the crew’s mission stretched to an unexpected 286 days after a technical glitch in their Boeing Starliner spacecraft left them stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months.
Commending the crew’s endurance and spirit, PM Modi said, “Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage, and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions.”
The Prime Minister also paid a special tribute to Sunita Williams, of Indian origin, for her trailblazing contributions. “Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career. We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity,” he noted.
Modi further praised Williams for “pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality.”
On Tuesday, PM Modi also extended a personal invitation to Williams, who traces her roots to Gujarat, expressing his desire to host her in India soon.
