Sunita plans to visit India once she's back

HOUSTON: Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams' homecoming is just hours away after her six-month sojourn in space as the shuttle Atlantis' heat shield is safe to return to Earth provided there is no weather-related hitch.

There are reports of well-wishers offering special prayers her safe return. On Thursday special prayers were held for Sunita at Tagore Bal Niketan in Karnal (Harayana), where late astronaut Kalpana Chawla studied.

Williams, who has created a record for the longest stay by a woman in space, has expressed her gratitude towards everyone who is wishing her all the best for her safe return home along with other astronauts.

"She is overwhelmed by the love and prayers everyone is offering for her and has expressed her deepest thanks to one and all," her father Dr Deepak Pandya said.

She plans to visit some of the places like her home town Jhulasan as soon as she gets chance to come to India.

"We feel great to have Sunita back with us after her successful space mission. My wife and my daughter Dina will be soon reaching Houston to greet her," he said.