BOSTON — A Needham-native astronaut has been selected as one of the pioneers of commercial space flight by NASA.
The agency announced Friday that Sunita Williams is among the astronauts who will be training to travel on commercial spacecraft built by Boeing and SpaceX.
Though she was born in Euclid, Ohio, Williams considers Needham her hometown. She joined the Navy and became a test pilot and Captain before retiring.
She has been an astronaut with NASA since 1998 and has spent 322 days aboard the International Space Station.
NASA introduced its team of U.S. astronauts who will fly commercial spacecraft to and from the International Space Station Friday.
“Today, our country’s dreams of greater achievements in space are within our grasp,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “This accomplished group of American astronauts, flying on new spacecraft developed by our commercial partners Boeing and SpaceX, will launch a new era of human spaceflight. Today’s announcement advances our great American vision and strengthens the nation’s leadership in space.”
MORE: Local astronaut arrives at International Space Station