Sunita Williams retires from NASA

On 20th January 2026, NASA announced that Sunita Williams retired from the agency, effective 27 December 2025, concluding an extraordinary 27-year career in human spaceflight.

Her retirement followed a historic nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), one of the longest unexpected stays in orbit, highlighting endurance, leadership and scientific excellence.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described Williams as a trailblazer, crediting her leadership on the ISS and contributions to commercial spaceflight and future Artemis Moon missions.
Williams flew three space missions, beginning with STS-116 in 2006, later commanding Expedition 33 in 2012, making her one of the few women to lead the ISS.
Her final mission began in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner, extending to 286 days and concluding in March 2025.