Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 21: Veteran astronaut Sunita Williams on Tuesday said that visiting India always feels like returning home, recalling her deep personal connection to the country through her family roots. Speaking at an interaction at the American Centre here, Williams said her father was born in India, a bond that makes every visit especially meaningful.
Addressing a packed audience during the one-and-a-half-hour session, Williams spoke about her journey in space exploration, her experiences aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and the future direction of human spaceflight. She noted that international cooperation has played a vital role in the success of space missions so far, even as the sector enters a new phase marked by growing competition and technological ambition.
Williams said competition in the global space sector was already well underway, driven by both national space agencies and private players. Describing it as a natural evolution of space exploration, she said innovation often accelerates when multiple actors pursue similar goals. However, she underlined that collaboration remains essential, particularly for complex and long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Highlighting humanity’s renewed focus on the Moon, Williams said the goal was not just to land astronauts on the lunar surface, but to do so in a sustainable way. Establishing systems that allow humans to live and work on the Moon for extended periods would be crucial for future missions, including those to Mars, she said, adding that sustainability, safety and scientific value are now central to mission planning.
Sharing personal insights from her time aboard the ISS, Williams spoke about daily life in microgravity, the physical and mental challenges of long-duration missions, and the unique perspective gained from viewing Earth from space. She described conducting scientific experiments, maintaining the space station and working closely with crewmates from different countries, stressing the importance of teamwork and preparation in the extreme environment of space.
She also spoke about the inspiration space exploration can offer to younger generations, particularly students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Encouraging young people to stay curious and persistent, Williams said careers in space are built over time through learning, discipline and resilience.
The interaction concluded with questions from the audience on future lunar missions, life aboard the ISS and the growing role of private companies in space exploration. Williams’ remarks highlighted the rapid changes underway in the global space landscape and the enduring human drive to explore beyond Earth through ambition, cooperation and a vision of sustainable presence in space.