Letters to The Editor — March 21, 2025

Back on earth

The safe return of Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore and the two other space crew from space underlines the link between human resolve and international collaboration. Ms. Williams in particular has inspired millions to reach for the stars. It was a pleasant surprise to see visuals of dolphins circling the Dragon capsule during recovery procedures from the ocean — NASA’s live broadcast highlighted the scene as a symbolic and heart-warming moment. The extraordinary courage of Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore, spending over nine months in space, needs acknowledgement. It is also about the indomitable human spirit that thrives against all odds.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai

Nine months of stay in space only points to the power of endurance — which in the case of Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore is to the power of 100. We do not need any other example to demonstrate the significance of endurance and patience.

S. Ramakrishnasayee,

Chennai

The ordeal that Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore experienced cannot be imagined. The mission has also exposed the dangers that space missions face and the importance of contingencies and planning, stringent testing procedures, and the high relevance of safety standards. The eleventh-hour support by a relatively new upstart company, to come to the rescue of an old aerospace giant, adds another dimension to this saga.

A.P. Thiruvadi,

Chennai