In a career that has defied gravity and shattered glass ceilings, NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams has once again made history, earning two Guinness World Records for her extraordinary work in space. Known for her perseverance and trailblazing spirit, Williams has become a symbol of human endurance and scientific exploration.
Williams, a decorated engineer and a retired U.S. Navy officer, holds the record for the most accumulated time on spacewalks by a female, with a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes of Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA). This remarkable feat, which she accomplished during her ninth career spacewalk on January 30, 2025, surpassed the previous record of 60 hours and 21 minutes held by fellow NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson.
The January 30 spacewalk was a historic one for another reason: at 59 years and 133 days old, Williams also set the record for the oldest person to perform a spacewalk (female). Her mission, alongside fellow astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, was to perform critical maintenance and system upgrades on the International Space Station (ISS).
Williams’s latest achievements came during an extended and unexpected mission aboard the ISS. After launching on a test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, a series of technical issues led to her and Wilmore being rerouted for an extended stay on the station. Despite the unplanned nature of the mission, Williams remained focused, utilizing the time to continue her work and add to her already impressive legacy.
Throughout her career, Williams has demonstrated a blend of mental fortitude and physical prowess, which has earned her several other milestones, including being the first person to run a marathon and complete a triathlon in space. Her accomplishments continue to inspire a new generation of scientists and astronauts, proving that with dedication and passion, there are no limits to what can be achieved, whether on Earth or in the vast expanse of the cosmos.
