Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years of Service

January 22, 2026
Current Context: Sunita Williams, Indian-origin NASA astronaut, retired on December 27, 2025 after 27 years of service.
Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years of Service
  • She spent 608 days in space across three missions to the International Space Station.
  • Williams completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours, holding the record for most spacewalk time by a female astronaut.
  • Before joining NASA in 1998, she was a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot with over 4,000 flying hours.
  • She also served as ISS Commander, known for her leadership and calm under pressure.
  • Her contributions to NASA’s commercial crew program were pivotal in shaping future spaceflight.

Question:

Q.1 Sunita Williams holds the record for the most cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut. What is that duration?
a) 62 hours

b) 55 hours
c) 64 hours
d) 70 hours

Answer: a) She completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours, a record-breaking achievement that is frequently highlighted in current affairs and science sections.

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