Detailed Profile of Sunita Williams

Name: Sunita Lyn Williams (née Pandya)

Date of Birth: September 19, 1965

Age: 58 years old (as of 2024)

Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)

Nationality: American

Occupation: Astronaut, Engineer, and United States Navy Officer

Early Life and Education:

Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, and grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. She comes from a diverse background, with her father of Indian descent and her mother of Slovenian descent.

• High School: Needham High School, Massachusetts (Graduated in 1983)
• Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Physical Science from the United States Naval Academy (Graduated in 1987)
• Graduate Education: Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology (Graduated in 1995)

Military Career:

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Sunita Williams was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. She became a Naval Aviator and served as a helicopter pilot. Her notable assignments included:

• Helicopter Combat Support Squadrons: H-46 Sea Knight helicopter pilot in the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 (HC-3) and Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 (HC-8)
• Navy Test Pilot School: Graduated in 1993, later becoming an instructor

NASA Career:

Sunita Williams was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in June 1998 and reported for training in August 1998.

Space Missions:

1. Expedition 14/15:

• Launch Date: December 9, 2006 (STS-116)
• Return Date: June 22, 2007 (STS-117)
• Duration: 195 days, 19 hours, and 16 minutes
• Achievements:
  • Set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman
  • Completed four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes

1. Expedition 32/33:

• Launch Date: July 15, 2012 (Soyuz TMA-05M)
• Return Date: November 19, 2012
• Duration: 127 days
• Achievements:
  • Served as Flight Engineer for Expedition 32
  • Commanded Expedition 33
  • Conducted three spacewalks totaling 21 hours and 23 minutes

Total Time in Space: 321 days, 17 hours, and 15 minutes

Total Spacewalks: 7, with a cumulative EVA time of 50 hours and 40 minutes

Notable Achievements and Records:

• Holds the record for the most spacewalks by a woman (7)
• Former record-holder for the longest spacewalk time for a woman (50 hours and 40 minutes)
• One of the first astronauts to complete a marathon in space, running the Boston Marathon on the ISS treadmill

Personal Life:

• Spouse: Married to Michael J. Williams, a federal police officer in Texas.
• Interests: An avid runner, swimmer, cyclist, and triathlete. She also enjoys windsurfing, snowboarding, and spending time with her family.

Net Worth:

Sunita Williams’ net worth is estimated to be around $1-2 million, primarily from her career as a Navy officer and astronaut, along with speaking engagements and other professional activities.

Awards and Honors:

• Navy Commendation Medals
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals
• Humanitarian Service Medal
• NASA Space Flight Medals
• NASA Distinguished Service Medal

Legacy and Contributions:

Sunita Williams has significantly contributed to human space exploration, science, and international collaboration on the International Space Station. Her work has inspired countless individuals, especially women and girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Future Prospects:

Sunita Williams continues to be actively involved with NASA and space exploration initiatives. She is slated to be part of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner missions, which are part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, aimed at developing reliable access to the ISS.

Conclusion:

Sunita Williams: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunita_Williams embodies the spirit of exploration, resilience, and dedication. Her contributions to space exploration and her pioneering spirit serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of knowledge. As she continues to break barriers and set new records, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of explorers and innovators.

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