NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has reassured her mother, Bonnie Pandya, from space, stating, “Everything is going to be okay,” despite an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025. In a recent conversation, Pandya shared with News Nation Now that Williams has asked her not to worry about the situation.
Pandya, who has been an astronaut’s mother for two decades and is well-versed in the challenges of space missions, expressed relief that NASA is prioritizing safety and not rushing Williams’ return. “Even though there’s a delay, there’s no significant problem. They just want to ensure they’re safe when coming back,” she said.
Pandya, who authored the book “Little Tail, Big Tales: The Adventures of an Astronaut’s Dog, Gorby and His Two and Four-Legged Friends” in 2022, appreciated NASA’s cautious approach. “I’m relieved they didn’t rush her return. With past shuttle accidents, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” she noted.
While Pandya misses her daughter and laments their postponed plans, she understands the situation. Williams’ husband, Daniele Williams, mentioned in a Wall Street Journal interview that Sunita is in her “happy place” up in space.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. The Boeing Starliner, experiencing issues with faulty thrusters and helium leaks, will return uncrewed.
