Health
Sunita Williams has spent over 322 days in space across multiple missions, making her one of the most experienced astronauts in history.
Health Most experienced astronaut
She holds the record for the most cumulative spacewalk time by a woman, with 62 hours and 6 minutes during nine spacewalks.
Health Spacewalk expert
In 2007, Williams became the first person to run a marathon in space, completing the Boston Marathon on a treadmill aboard the ISS.
Health Pioneer of space marathon
Williams was part of the 2024 Boeing Crew Flight Test, becoming the first woman to fly on a test flight of an orbital spacecraft.
Health Pathbreaker
Her stay on the ISS during the Boeing Starliner mission was extended for over nine months due to technical problems with the spacecraft—far longer than planned.
Health Unexpected stay
During this lengthy ISS stay in 2024–2025, she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore conducted over 900 hours of research, performing 150+ scientific experiments crucial for deep-space missions.
Health Ardent researcher
Williams is only the second woman to command the International Space Station, having served as ISS Commander during Expedition 33.
Health ISS Commander
She was the first person to donate her ponytail to the “Locks of Love” charity while in space; it was cut on the ISS and sent back to Earth to be made into wigs for cancer patients.
Health Hair donation
Williams proudly represents her Indian and Slovenian heritage, having carried both a samosa and Carniolan sausage, as well as the Slovenian flag, with her on spaceflights to celebrate her multicultural background.
Health Multicultural pride
She has also completed the first triathlon in orbit—using a treadmill, stationary bicycle, and resistance machine on the ISS.
Health Sports enthusiast