Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members for their extraordinary achievements in space, following their safe return to Earth.
The Defence Minister on Wednesday, took to the social media platform X to express his delight, writing, "Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s Crew-9 on Earth! The crew, comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space."
"Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude, and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud. Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on Earth," he added.
Williams, along with NASA’s Butch Wilmore, NASA's Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Tuesday evening, concluding what was meant to be a short eight-day mission that turned into an unexpected nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
Their return came aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down off the coast of Florida just minutes before 6 p.m. As announced by NASA, the recovery operation was successfully carried out, with the astronauts being lifted out of the capsule.
Hague was the first to exit, followed by Williams, who emerged third. All three astronauts smiled and waved as they were assisted out of the spacecraft, marking the end of their prolonged stay in space.
Williams and Wilmore initially launched to the ISS on June 6, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, after a malfunction in the spacecraft, they were left stranded.
Their return was delayed until now when SpaceX’s Dragon capsule was sent to bring them back to Earth.
Nagpur violence: Rioters tried to molest female police official in Bhaldarpura area, says FIR
A shocking incident has come to light during the violence that rocked the city on Monday night. While the police tried to contain the situation in wake of arson and vandalism, the unruly crowd in Bhaldarpura area tried to tear the uniform of a female police official and molest her.
One dead, several injured in fresh ethnic clash in Manipur's Churachandpur
Fresh ethnic clashes have erupted in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, police said on Wednesday, adding that one person has died and several others were injured.
'The Earth missed you': PM Modi welcomes Sunita Williams and Crew-9 astronauts after extended space mission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the safe return of NASA’s Crew-9, which included astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded in space for nearly nine months.
After return to Earth, Sunita Williams undergoes rehabilitation
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth's gravity after spending nine months in space.
Union Minister Chouhan to again hold talks with 28 farmer unions in Chandigarh today
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be meeting farmers again in Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, on Wednesday as part of the Government of India’s outreach with them over their long-pending demands, including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.