Sunita Williams On India, Space And Spice

India-West News Desk

HOUSTON, TX – For nearly 300 days, astronaut Sunita Williams soared above the Earth aboard the International Space Station, gazing down at a planet that looked both familiar and foreign. But no view was more breathtaking than that of India—especially the mighty Himalayas.

“Amazing, just amazing,” Williams gushed when asked how India looked from space, still awed by the sight. “Every time we went over the Himalayas, Butch (Wilmore, fellow astronaut) got incredible pictures. It is just amazing.”

Williams, known for proudly speaking about her Indian heritage, described how the country appeared from orbit. “I have described it before like this ripple that happened obviously when the plates collided, and then, as it flows down into India, it is many, many colors,” she explained. “When you come from the East going into Gujarat and Mumbai, you see the fishing fleet off the coast—it gives you a little beacon, like ‘Here we come.'”

At night, the view was just as spectacular. “All throughout India, the impression I had was this network of lights—bigger cities spreading into smaller cities. Just incredible to look at. And of course, the Himalayas stood out, leading down into India.”

Back on Earth, Williams hopes to contribute to India’s spaceflight program. “I hope we can meet up at some point and share our experiences with as many people in India as possible,” she said. “It’s a great country, another wonderful democracy, and is trying to put its foot in the space world. I’d love to be a part of that.”

Her enthusiasm was met with a playful challenge from Butch Wilmore. “Do you plan to take your crew members on that trip with you?” he asked. Williams didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. You might stick out a little bit, but that’s okay! We’ll get you all primed for some spicy food.”

Nine months in space can stir up cravings, and for Williams, it was something simple yet deeply personal—a grilled cheese sandwich. “My father was a vegetarian, so I had a good grilled cheese sandwich when I got home. That reminded me of him.”

The first thing she did after landing? “Hug my husband and hug my dogs. And I’ll say in that order,” she joked. Wilmore echoed her sentiment, saying that embracing family and getting “the opportunity to just say thank you” topped his list.

Returning to gravity after nearly a year in space wasn’t easy. “The first day was challenging as we struggled to readjust, but we are recovering,” Williams admitted. “We’ve been following strength training routines, including weightlifting and weighted squats, to regain our strength.”