Watch Video: Indian-Origin Astronaut Sunita Williams Dances On Her Arrival At Space Station

In a spectacular display of joy and accomplishment, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams marked her arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) with a delightful dance. 

The 59-year-old astronaut, along with her crewmate Butch Wilmore, successfully docked the Boeing Starliner spacecraft with the ISS, making history as the first woman to pilot and test a new crewed spacecraft on its maiden mission.

Sunita Williams, who has previously taken an idol of Lord Ganesh and the Bhagavad Gita to space, is no stranger to the ISS. 

This mission marks her third trip to the space station, and her arrival was nothing short of celebratory. 

Upon docking, Williams performed a little dance and embraced the seven astronauts already aboard the ISS, sharing her excitement and the festive spirit of the moment.

Hugs all around! The Expedition 71 crew greets Butch Wilmore and @Astro_Suni aboard @Space_Station after #Starliner docked at 1:34 p.m. ET on June 6. pic.twitter.com/wQZAYy2LGH

— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) June 6, 2024

The docking of the Boeing Starliner, named "Calypso" by Williams after the famous ship of French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, was a significant milestone. 

The spacecraft docked with the ISS approximately 26 hours after launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. 

Despite minor technical glitches, including helium leaks that delayed docking by an hour, the mission was a resounding success.

Williams and Wilmore, the first crew to fly the Starliner, were greeted with the ringing of a bell, a cherished ISS tradition. 

"That's the way to get things going," Williams said, reflecting on her impromptu "dance party" upon arrival. 

The camaraderie among the astronauts was palpable as Williams referred to her crewmembers as "another family," expressing gratitude for their warm welcome.

During the journey to the ISS, the crew conducted a series of tests, including manually flying Starliner for the first time in space. 

These tests are crucial for the continued development and reliability of the spacecraft, which NASA envisions as a vital alternative to the SpaceX Crew Module as part of its commercial crew program. 

Williams, who played a significant role in designing the SUV-sized Starliner that can accommodate seven crew members, took pride in its successful mission.

The mission’s success was underscored by the fact that the Starliner autonomously conducted a series of maneuvers to steadily bring the spacecraft closer to the ISS before docking. 

Williams and Wilmore will spend about a week in space, assisting with various tests and conducting scientific experiments, further contributing to the advancements in space exploration.

Reflecting on her journey, Williams admitted to feeling a bit nervous before lift-off but felt no jitters about flying in a new spacecraft. 

"When I reach the International Space Station, it will be like going back home," she had said prior to the mission. 

Her familiarity with the ISS and her pioneering spirit exemplify her remarkable career and contributions to space exploration.

Upon their return, Williams and Wilmore are scheduled to make a landing on land rather than at sea, highlighting the Starliner’s versatility and capability. 

This mission not only marks a significant achievement in NASA's commercial crew program but also showcases Williams' enduring legacy and her inspiring role in the field of space exploration.

As the world watches, Sunita Williams' dance on the ISS stands as a symbol of joy, achievement, and the boundless possibilities that space exploration holds for humanity.