Sunita Williams’ Homecoming: A Look at Astronauts Who Defied Time in Space

Mar 10, 2025 Digital Desk

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio completed a 371-day mission aboard the ISS. Source: NASA

NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei spent 355 consecutive days on the ISS. Source: NASA

Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, spending 437 days. Source: X

NASA astronaut Christina Koch holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, with a 328-day mission on the ISS. Source: NASA

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded in space for more than 9 months. Source: NASA

The mission, intended as a weeklong test flight, faced significant challenges when thruster failures and helium leaks occurred during the journey. Source: NASA

Sunita Williams is a retired US Navy officer. She is one of the most experienced spacewalkers. Source: NASA

Sunita Williams assumed the role of station commander in September. Source: NASA

On April 16, 2007, Sunita Williams ran the first marathon by any person in space. Source: NASA

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has over 8,000 hours of flight time and 663 carrier landings Source: NASA