Williams twice commanded the ISS, playing a crucial role in coordinating international research and operations in low Earth orbit. Her leadership was instrumental in fostering collaboration among the various international partners involved in the ISS program, including Russia, Japan, Canada, and the European Space Agency (ESA).

"Suni's dedication and leadership have been invaluable to NASA and the international space community," said a NASA spokesperson. "Her work has not only advanced our understanding of space but has also paved the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond."

Williams's career spanned a pivotal period in spaceflight, bridging the era of the Space Shuttle program to the current focus on commercial and deep-space missions. She flew on the Space Shuttle and contributed to the development of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to advancing human spaceflight capabilities.

Born Sunita Lyn Williams to an Indian-American father and a Slovenian-American mother, her background reflects the increasingly global nature of space exploration. Her career has inspired individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Her spacewalks were critical for maintaining and upgrading the ISS, a multinational laboratory that has hosted astronauts and cosmonauts from numerous countries, facilitating scientific research in microgravity. The experiments conducted on the ISS have yielded insights into various fields, including medicine, materials science, and Earth observation, benefiting people worldwide.

Williams's retirement comes as NASA prepares for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. Her experiences and insights will undoubtedly influence the next generation of astronauts as they embark on these ambitious missions. NASA continues to work with international partners on the Artemis program, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in achieving its goals.