Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a moving letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams before she returns from the International Space Station (ISS) after spending nine months in space. Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh tweeted the letter on Tuesday, underscoring India’s strong emotional bonding with its “distinguished daughter.”

“As the whole world waits, with abated breath, for the safe return of Sunita Williams, this is how PM Sh @narendramodi expressed his concern for this daughter of India,” Singh tweeted. He also revealed that the letter was personally handed over to astronaut Mike Massimino by PM Modi to ensure its delivery to Williams.

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PM Modi’s Emotional Letter to Sunita Williams

In his letter, PM Modi expressed his admiration and good wishes for Williams, stating, “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission. After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters.”

Jitendra Singh further stated that Sunita Williams was moved by the Prime Minister’s act and thanked him and the Indian people for it.

Crew-9 Starts 17-Hour Return to Earth

Sunita Williams and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore safely undocked from the ISS in the early hours of Tuesday on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, starting their journey back to Earth after spending months in orbit. Their first Boeing Starliner vehicle experienced technical problems, making their short-duration test flight into a nine-month orbiting stint.

Wilmore and Williams, both long-time astronauts and retired US Navy test pilots, are flying with two other astronauts on the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. ET (10:35 a.m. IST), beginning an 17-hour ride back home.

Crew-9’s Homecoming Schedule

As the crew left, Commander Nick Hague declared, “Crew-9 is going home,” as the capsule retreated from the ISS. Calling the descent “the trip downhill,” NASA officials broadcast the event live. Hague also looked back on their mission, saying it was an honor to “call the station home” as part of a global endeavor for the “benefit of humanity.”

The four-member Crew-9 crew is due to splash down off the coast of Florida at 5:57 p.m. ET (March 19, 3:27 a.m. IST). NASA will offer live coverage of the proceedings, capturing the crew’s homecoming from their long-duration space mission.

As PM Modi spoke emotionally and the world looked on, Sunita Williams’ homecoming is another milestone in her remarkable space odyssey.