Across three missions to the International Space Station, Williams became one of the most experienced astronauts in NASA history. She spent a staggering 608 days in space, the second-highest cumulative total ever recorded by a NASA astronaut. Those days were not just numbers—they represented hundreds of experiments conducted, systems repaired, and milestones achieved far above Earth.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described Williams as a defining force in human spaceflight, crediting her leadership aboard the space station with helping shape the future of low-Earth-orbit missions and laying groundwork for the Artemis program and future journeys to Mars. In NASA’s words, her career is one that will continue to inspire generations to “dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Records Written in Orbit
Williams’ resume reads like a highlight reel of spaceflight history. Her 608 days in orbit place her second overall among NASA astronauts for cumulative time in space. She also ranks sixth for the longest single spaceflight by an American, sharing that distinction with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore after each logged 286 days in space during extended missions that included Boeing’s Starliner and SpaceX’s Crew-9 programs.Perhaps most notably, Williams carved her name into the record books during spacewalks. She completed nine extravehicular activities, totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes outside the station. That achievement makes her the woman with the most spacewalk time ever, and places her fourth on the all-time list for cumulative spacewalking duration. And in a moment that captured the imagination of people worldwide, she became the first person to run a marathon in space, proving that even 250 miles above Earth, human grit still applies.
Roots That Span Continents
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Williams’ story resonates deeply on a personal level. Her father, a neuroanatomist, was born in Jhulasan village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district before moving to the United States, where he married Bonnie Pandya, who has Slovenian roots. Born in Euclid, Ohio, Williams considers Needham, Massachusetts her hometown—a reflection of a life shaped by global influences and American opportunity.Away from orbit and flight suits, she shares a grounded life with her husband, Michael. Together, they enjoy time with their dogs, staying active, restoring houses, working on cars and airplanes, and spending time outdoors hiking and camping—earthbound passions that balance a career spent far from the planet.