Washington, D.C.: While Thanksgiving traditionally gathers friends and family around a shared meal, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams marked the occasion from an extraordinary location—the International Space Station (ISS). In a heartfelt video shared by NASA on Wednesday, Williams extended warm wishes to loved ones and supporters on Earth.

“Our crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us,” said Williams in the video, expressing gratitude for the unwavering encouragement from Earth-bound well-wishers.

Thanksgiving in Space

The ISS crew celebrated Thanksgiving with a specially prepared meal of space-friendly delicacies, including turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. Although the setting was far removed from the traditional dinner table, the spirit of gratitude and togetherness remained the same.

Williams’ message highlighted the unique bond between those in space and the people on Earth who support their missions. The astronaut also underscored the importance of cherishing moments of unity, even across such vast distances.

A Tradition of Connection

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration continues the tradition of astronauts connecting with loved ones during significant holidays. NASA has consistently shared glimpses of life aboard the ISS, offering the public a rare insight into how astronauts balance demanding missions with maintaining connections to Earth.

For Williams and her crewmates, Thanksgiving was a time to reflect on their shared mission and express gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to humanity’s exploration of space.

As the ISS orbits Earth, the crew’s Thanksgiving celebration serves as a reminder of the universal importance of gratitude and connection, transcending boundaries—even the final frontier.