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Sunita Williams

Sunita Williams is an American astronaut and former U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sunita Williams is an American astronaut and former U.S. Navy officer. She was selected by NASA in 1998 and flew three space missions aboard the International Space Station. Williams retired from NASA on December 27, 2025, after a 27-year career, and is known for her record-setting spacewalk experience and for being the first woman to fly on a flight test of an orbital spacecraft during Boeing’s 2024 Crew Flight Test.

Early life and education

Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio on September 19, 1965. She attended the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical science in 1987. She later earned a master’s degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology in 1995.

NASA career

Williams was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998. Over her career, she flew three space missions, including long-duration stays aboard the International Space Station. She also participated in Boeing’s Crew Flight Test in 2024, becoming the first woman to fly on a flight test of an orbital spacecraft.

Spaceflight records

Williams completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes. As of January 2025, that was the most total spacewalk time by a woman and placed her fourth overall among all astronauts. She logged 608 days, 19 minutes in space over her three missions.

Retirement

NASA states that Williams retired on December 27, 2025. Her retirement ended a 27-year career with the agency. Britannica also identifies that retirement date.

Key facts

  • Williams flew on three space missions and logged 608 days, 19 minutes in space.
  • She completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, the most total spacewalk time by a woman.
  • She became the first woman to fly on a flight test of an orbital spacecraft during Boeing’s 2024 Crew Flight Test.
  • Her ISS stays included long-duration missions and a later extended return after technical issues.
  • She retired on December 27, 2025, after 27 years with NASA.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sunita Williams?
She is an American astronaut and former U.S. Navy officer who flew three space missions and retired from NASA in 2025.
How many days did Sunita Williams spend in space?
NASA states she logged 608 days, 19 minutes in space over her career.
How many spacewalks did she complete?
She completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes.
What is she known for?
She is known for record-setting spacewalk time and for being the first woman to fly a flight test of an orbital spacecraft on Boeing’s Crew Flight Test.
When did she retire?
NASA says she retired on December 27, 2025.
What is her educational background?
She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 and earned a master’s degree from Florida Institute of Technology in 1995.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunita_Williams
    Supports: Total time in space, EVAs, Boeing Crew Flight Test, and retirement date context.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sunita-Williams
    Supports: Biography, nationality, career summary, and retirement in December 2025.
  3. NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/williams-sl.pdf
    Supports: NASA biography, selection date, spaceflight totals, retirement date, and flight-test milestone.
  4. European Space Agency — https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Celsius_Mission_-_English_version/Sunita_Williams
    Supports: Birthplace and education details.