PM Modi Welcomes Sunita Williams and Crew9 Back to Earth:

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a heartfelt welcome to Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams as she made her return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule after an extended nine-month stay in space.

"Welcome back, Crew9! The Earth missed you," PM Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his joy at the astronauts' safe return.

Praise for the Grit and Determination of Crew9 Astronauts

Prime Minister Modi took to social media to celebrate the achievements of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Nick Hague, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who made a splashdown off Florida's coast at around 3:27 am IST.

Praising their incredible perseverance, Modi highlighted the astronauts' courage and human spirit:

"Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions," Modi said.

He went on to emphasize that space exploration is not just about scientific discoveries, but about pushing the boundaries of human potential and daring to dream.

Sunita Williams: A Trailblazer and Role Model

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Sunita Williams as a trailblazer and icon in space exploration, noting that she has been a living example of perseverance and dedication.

"Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career," Modi said, adding that India is "incredibly proud" of the astronaut's contributions to space exploration.

He also thanked everyone involved in ensuring the safe return of the astronauts, praising their precision, passion, and technology in bringing the crew back safely.

Looking to the Future of Space Exploration

PM Modi's message also reflected on the broader significance of space missions, stressing how space exploration continues to push humanity to new heights and inspire future generations. His words resonated with the global community, underscoring the importance of collaboration and innovation in space exploration.