Overview
- The agency said Williams’ retirement took effect on December 27, 2025, in a statement released January 20.
- She logged 608 cumulative days in orbit, second among NASA astronauts, and completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours 6 minutes, the most by a woman.
- Her June 2024 launch on Boeing’s first crewed Starliner test stretched from a short stay to more than nine months due to technical problems, with a March 2025 return on SpaceX Crew‑9.
- Williams commanded the International Space Station on multiple expeditions, including Expedition 33 and later Expedition 72, and previously served in astronaut office leadership roles.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman called her a trailblazer, while Williams—who has deep ties to India—shared reflections on her career during events in New Delhi.