"India's beauty is truly breathtaking when seen from space, and it’s fascinating how light serves as a connection among the people of this vast subcontinent."
Imagine returning to India after a span of 12 years. What cherished memories do you have from your last trip? One of my most treasured experiences was being in India with my father back in 2013. Visiting the places where he grew up and lived left a profound impact on me.
Reuniting with family and friends during that visit was equally heartwarming. Sadly, my father is no longer with us, and this time around, I won’t be able to visit his home state of Gujarat.
However, I’m looking forward to this upcoming journey to India, especially considering how much support we've received for our mission. I know that numerous individuals here have been praying for our safe return, and I wish to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude: thank you for your kindness and encouragement.
This will be my first experience in Kerala. Is there something specific that you are eager to discover? I can hardly contain my excitement to explore this enchanting region! My father often described Kerala as a magical place, rich in cultural heritage and home to many revered Indian saints.
I am also thrilled about attending the Kerala Literature Festival. The power of books has always fascinated me, as they provide a wonderful gateway for everyone to learn and grow.
Reflecting on the role of literature, stories, and the arts in my life, I realize that reading profoundly shaped me as a child. I had an insatiable appetite for animal tales and thrilling mysteries. As I've matured, my interest has shifted towards historical novels and fiction, as they offer valuable insights into the lives of those who shaped our history.
You recently embarked on what was supposed to be an eight-day mission, which unexpectedly extended to nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). What lessons did this extended stay impart about yourself that a shorter mission might not have revealed? Long-term missions are familiar territory for me, and I’ve been fortunate to participate in various ones.
These experiences have enabled me to adjust to the realities of living in space while conducting remarkable scientific research. An extended stay of nine months certainly demands physical diligence to preserve bone density and muscle mass. However, the hardest aspect was missing precious moments with my family, including my dogs. They understood how much I longed for them, so they sent me pictures and even 3D models of our pets to keep me company in space.
Dogs embody pure love and loyalty, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to experience that kind of affection daily. Moreover, I was overwhelmed by the support and love we received, not just from friends and family but also from strangers.
When Boeing’s Starliner encountered technical difficulties, and the decision was made to return via SpaceX instead, what was your emotional response? How much does an astronaut ponder the spacecraft they entrust with their lives? A significant amount! This decision transcended Butch Wilmore and me; we recognized that hundreds, if not thousands, of people were working diligently to resolve the issue, and their expertise was crucial to our trust in the situation.
We felt reassured by the decision. The most challenging aspect was the waiting period leading up to that choice. Having clear direction undeniably makes any situation more manageable.
How long did it take you to readjust to Earth’s gravity after your return in 2025? The adjustment process was similar to previous flights, though it took slightly longer for me to regain my running speed and endurance. I’m still in the process of getting back to my usual fitness level.
You have previously mentioned bringing items such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and even samosas into space. What personal significance do these symbols of your Indian heritage hold for you while you’re so far away from home? I took these cherished items along with some mementos from my mother's Slovenian heritage into space, wishing to honor the people who have shaped my identity. I owe a great deal to my parents and their cultures, which have provided me with a solid foundation that has guided me through various challenges.
You hold the record for the longest cumulative spacewalk time by a woman, totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes across nine spacewalks. When you reflect on the evolution of women's roles in space exploration from when you began to today, what changes do you observe, and what areas still require progress? Today, there are opportunities available for anyone who is ready to take on the challenge. I was fortunate to be involved in the space program during the construction and operation of the ISS, which opened doors for me. Excitingly, future opportunities for spacewalks on the moon await. I look forward to seeing the next generation of astronauts shatter existing records!
Your father hails from Gujarat, and you’ve mentioned striving to learn the language. How proficient is your Gujarati now? Now that I’m retired, I can dedicate more time to mastering the language, and I’m determined to improve, which means hopefully spending more time in Gujarat.
Rakesh Sharma famously told Indira Gandhi that India is ‘Sare Jahaan Se Achcha’ when viewed from above. For you, how does the subcontinent appear through the cupola of the ISS? From space, India is breathtaking. I once likened the Himalayas to the wrinkles on a skirt bunched up, a visual manifestation of earth's tectonic forces at play. During this mission, I was struck by the extensive network of lights illuminating the subcontinent, showcasing the substantial population and the connections formed through light. I also spotted numerous fishing boats dotting the coastline, resembling beacons guiding the eye to shore.
What are some of your fondest memories of the trailblazing Kalpana Chawla? I cherish our friendship and her insatiable curiosity. I fondly recall our bike rides together, where we would invariably pause to uncover something new—perhaps a unique bird or an unfamiliar plant. There was always something in nature to marvel at and share with her.
After orbiting the Earth for months, do you think we are close to discovering signs of life beyond our own planet within our solar system? I genuinely believe that we will reach that milestone one day.
