Meet Sunita Williams, the Woman Who Spent 322 Days in Space, a Record for Female Astronauts

Sunita Williams is an American astronaut and former naval officer. She holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman, with 322 days in space over three missions. Williams is also the second woman to perform a spacewalk, and the first woman to serve as commander of the International Space Station.

Williams was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1987 and earned a master's degree in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1995. Williams was selected to become an astronaut in 1998.

Williams' first spaceflight was in 2002, as a mission specialist on the STS-116 mission to the International Space Station. During this mission, Williams performed two spacewalks, totaling 17 hours and 38 minutes. In 2007, Williams returned to the International Space Station as a flight engineer on the Expedition 14 mission. During this mission, Williams performed three spacewalks, totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes. In 2012, Williams commanded the Expedition 32/33 mission to the International Space Station. During this mission, Williams performed four spacewalks, totaling 27 hours and 56 minutes.

Williams is a highly accomplished astronaut who has made significant contributions to space exploration. She is a role model for women and girls around the world, and her story is an inspiration to all who dream of reaching for the stars.

Here are some of Williams' most notable accomplishments:

• Holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman, with 322 days in space.
• Is the second woman to perform a spacewalk.
• Is the first woman to serve as commander of the International Space Station.
• Has performed seven spacewalks, totaling 54 hours and 41 minutes.
• Has been awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal.

Williams is a true pioneer in the field of space exploration. Her story is an inspiration to all who dream of reaching for the stars.