Kathmandu: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, alongside their fellow crew members, have safely returned to Earth after a nine-month mission in space. Their journey back concluded with a dramatic re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere in a SpaceX capsule, followed by a gentle splashdown off the coast of Florida.
The astronauts’ capsule was greeted by a pod of dolphins, and after being lifted from the water, they were greeted with cheers and smiles. At a press conference following their return, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich shared, “The crew’s doing great,” adding that their safe return marked the end of a mission initially planned for just eight days.
The mission, which began in June 2024, faced unexpected delays. Wilmore and Williams were originally aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which encountered technical issues during its journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Due to these problems, NASA opted to extend the astronauts’ stay, providing them with a SpaceX capsule for their eventual return. The astronauts’ planned six-month mission was extended to nine months, with the duo carrying out experiments and spacewalks during their extended stay.
“Its awesome to have Crew 9 home, just a beautiful landing,” said Joel Montalbano, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for Space Operations. The astronauts’ long tenure in space led to some challenges, including the toll long-duration missions take on the body. Upon landing, they were assisted onto stretchers—a standard practice for astronauts who have spent extended periods in zero gravity.
As they reunite with their families, the astronauts will undergo medical evaluations and follow an exercise regimen to help them readjust to gravity. Their return was met with a sense of relief and joy, with astronaut Helen Sharman remarking on the emotional reunion awaiting them.
Despite their unplanned extension in space, Wilmore and Williams remained in high spirits. Williams had even looked forward to her return to Earth, telling CBS she was excited to “see my family, my dogs, and jump in the ocean.”
The astronauts’ return marks the successful conclusion of a mission that highlighted the resilience of the crew and the ongoing collaboration between NASA and SpaceX.
Source: BBC