Sunita Williams Sets New World Record for Cumulative Spacewalking Time by a Woman

Indian-American NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has broken a record once again as the woman who spent the most cumulative time in spacewalking. During her ninth spacewalk on January 30, 2025, Williams completed a cumulative total of 62 hours and 6 minutes of extravehicular activity (EVA), which beat the previous record of 60 hours and 21 minutes set by Peggy Whitson.

A Record-Breaking Achievement
The record-breaking spacewalk took place in tandem with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore on a five-hour and 26-minute mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They undertook necessary maintenance work, such as the removal of malfunctioning radio equipment and sampling from the outside of the station to analyze microbial growth.

Williams’ new milestone solidifies her place as one of the most successful astronauts ever, remembered not only for her perseverance, but also for her passion and incredible contributions to space travel.

An Unexpected Extended Mission
The recent spacewalk record was set as part of an extended mission on the ISS that wasn’t planned. Initially, it was only scheduled for eight days on Boeing‘s Starliner capsule in June 2024. Technical problems forced an unplanned nine-month sojourn. Even with the extended mission, Williams continued to perform at the top of her game, utilizing every moment she had on the ISS.

This longer stay gave Williams additional chances for spacewalks, eventually enabling her to beat the previous record. Her commitment, even as the mission turned out to be longer than expected, is evidence of her professionalism and love for space travel.

Sunita Williams‘ Previous Milestones
Sunita Williams‘ new record is not her only impressive milestone. Throughout her illustrious career, she has scored a number of impressive milestones, including:

First Female to Command ISS (2012): Throughout Expedition 33, Williams proved to be a remarkable leader as the first female to command the International Space Station.

Longest Female Spaceflight (2007): Williams spent 195 days in space on her initial mission, holding the record for the longest female astronaut spaceflight up to that point.

First Marathon in Space (2007): Williams, known for her dedication to fitness, made history by becoming the first human to run a marathon in space after running the Boston Marathon on a treadmill aboard the ISS.

Nine Successful Spacewalks: Williams has now performed a total of nine spacewalks, which makes her one of the most seasoned astronauts with regard to extravehicular activities.

A Safe Return to Earth
Williams and Wilmore landed safely back on Earth on 18th March 2025 aboard a SpaceX capsule. Their unexpected but successful mission was the result of their determination, experience, and commitment to the progress of space travel.

Impact and Legacy
Sunita Williams‘ record of the longest cumulative time in spacewalking by a woman is a milestone in space travel history. Her exemplary performance inspires future generations of astronauts, especially women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Williams‘ dedication to her work goes beyond her recent album. She is also deeply involved in NASA‘s Artemis program, which will send humans back to the Moon and ultimately create a sustainable presence on Mars.

Her success is a reflection of her determination and commitment to expanding the frontiers of human exploration. As NASA gears up for more ambitious missions, Sunita Williams‘ work will be an inspiration to aspiring astronauts across the globe.