New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and members of Crew 9 for returning to Earth after nine months in space station, saying "they have once again shown us what perseverance truly means".

The Prime Minister said NASA's Crew-9 mission has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit.

"Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you.

Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means" he wrote on X.

He further added that their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions.

"Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career" PM Modi said.

Congratulating the NASA team who are working for their return, PM Modi said, "We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity".

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after spending over nine months at the International Space Station (ISS) due to unexpected delays.

Their spacecraft, SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom capsule, successfully splashed down off the Florida coast near Tallahassee, on Wednesday at (3:27) AM.

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