How much does Sunita Williams earn as a NASA astronaut?
What's the story
Astronaut Sunita Williams is gearing up for her return to Earth after a long stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
She is one of NASA's most experienced astronauts, falling under the GS-15 category in terms of pay scale.
As a GS-15 astronaut, Williams earns an estimated annual salary of $152,258 (around ₹1.32 crore), in addition to other perks.
Perks
Additional benefits for NASA astronauts
Apart from their salary, NASA's astronauts are entitled to a host of benefits. These include comprehensive health insurance, psychological support, advanced mission training, and travel allowances.
These perks are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of astronauts during their missions.
Williams's extended stay in space has only further proven her commitment and resilience in pushing the frontiers of space science.
Wealth
Williams's net worth and personal life
Williams lives in Houston, Texas, along with her husband Michael J Williams, a federal marshal. Her net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth accumulation can be attributed to her successful career as an astronaut and the various benefits she receives from NASA.
Crew change
New crew arriving at the ISS
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule successfully lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as part of the mission named Crew-10.
The mission is taking a new four-member team to the ISS to relieve Williams, Butch Wilmore, and two other astronauts.
The new crew consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Peskov.