Remember Sunita Williams, Indian-origin astronaut who made history by going to space twice? She is all set to fly to space for the third time!

After a series of delays over the years due to a number of setbacks in the spacecraft's development, the Boeing’s brand new Starliner is finally ready to take its maiden flight. This history-making launch is scheduled for May 7th, 2024, at 8:04 am IST, blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US.

But here’s what makes this mission particularly exciting: beloved Indian origin astronaut Sunita Williams, 59, will be piloting the spacecraft on its first-ever crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

While a veteran of two space missions with a total of 322 days spent orbiting Earth, there's a certain thrill to the unknown. Williams acknowledges some nerves, but her enthusiasm for exploration remains undimmed. "When I reach the ISS," she says, "it will be like going back home."

However, Sunita Williams won't be alone on this adventure. Joining her is veteran astronaut Butch Wilmore, a 61-year-old Navy test pilot with two space missions under his belt as well. Together, they'll soar aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for a critical, 26-hour journey.

Williams and Wilmore will be tasked with conducting a series of tests to ensure the Starliner meets NASA's stringent safety standards for future regular missions. After docking, the astronauts will spend a productive eight days living and working on the ISS before returning to Earth on May 15. Unlike traditional US capsules that splashdown in the ocean, the Starliner will make a novel land-based touchdown in the western US.

With this mission, Williams is poised to etch her name in the history books — becoming the first woman to pilot a maiden crewed mission on a brand-new spacecraft. No stranger to pushing boundaries, she previously held the record for longest cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut (a record since surpassed by Peggy Whitson). In fact, she even completed the Boston Marathon after running in one place for over four hours while aboard the ISS.

Also a decorated Navy test pilot with a passion for science, Williams was selected for the astronaut program in 1998. After the Space Shuttle's retirement, she transitioned seamlessly into the next generation of space travel, chosen for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

This program, a collaboration with private companies like Boeing, aims to revitalise American spaceflight. The Starliner mission, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, signifies a new era of public-private partnership in space exploration.

Adding a touch of personal tradition, Williams will carry a statuette of Lord Ganesh, her "good luck charm," on this historic flight.

Back on Earth, her achievements resonate across the globe, particularly in India where she holds immense national pride. Dr M Mohan, head of ISRO's Human Space Flight Center, expressed his admiration for Williams, stating, "We are all proud" of her upcoming mission. India itself has its sights set on the stars with their Gaganyaan program, aiming for a crewed mission by 2026.