After spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are finally heading back to Earth tonight, March 18, 2025. The duo was originally slated to return after just eight days, but technical issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule caused unexpected delays, prolonging their mission significantly.
Wilmore and Williams, who launched for the ISS on June 5, 2024, were meant to conduct routine operations and only needed to stay for eight days. Instead, they faced technical difficulties initiated by malfunctions within the Starliner capsule’s engines during docking, and NASA decided to send the capsule back empty after it remained at the station for nearly three months, as they needed more time to analyze the issues.
NASA reworked their crew rotations to accommodate this delay, opting to utilize the SpaceX Dragon capsule for Wilmore and Williams' return. They will be coming back with fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, who joined the ISS crew later.
The Crew-9 capsule successfully launched from Cape Canaveral and docked with the ISS after 29 hours. Wilmore and Williams’ extended stay underscored the uncertainties of space travel and highlighted technical setbacks, reaching the point where they became prime subjects of interest and discussion back on Earth.
"We're going to miss you. Happy way home," said NASA astronaut Ann McClain as the Crew Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS. Wilmore and Williams participated actively at the station, engaging in scientific experiments and even taking part in spacewalks. Williams made her own mark by setting the record for being the woman who has spent the most time outside the ISS.
The original schedule for the upcoming Crew-10 mission was postponed for several weeks, pushing their launch back by about one month—a move aimed at ensuring the Dragon capsule was well-prepared for its new crew. NASA officials emphasized the operational necessity behind these schedule changes, though political figures, including former President Donald Trump, suggested voicing discontent over the delay. They claimed the Biden administration was politically motivated to keep Wilmore and Williams on the ISS longer.
NASA denied these claims, outlining the mission's priorities were strictly dictated by technical requirements and the logistics of crew rotations. Wilmore addressed these rumors, clarifying they felt supported during their time aboard the ISS, stating, "We prepared for the possibility of staying longer, even though we planned for short trips. That is part of human space flight.”
Despite their unusual circumstances, both astronauts remained positive about being away from home for so long. They managed to focus on the research and scientific endeavors, contributing to various priorities aboard the ISS.
Once said to be stuck, astronauts like Wilmore and Williams highlighted the supportive nature of their operation as they maintained contact with multiple spacecraft docked at the ISS at all times, ensuring they were never truly isolated. "There were always backups and support systems available. We never felt abandoned, only eager to return when the time was right," Williams shared with reporters shortly before their departure.
Looking forward to welcoming them back is the team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where the returning astronauts will undergo standard medical assessments. Prolonged space missions often have lasting effects on the human body, including the potential for reduced bone density and muscle loss, effects they will need to address as they re-adapt to Earth's gravity.
The Crew Dragon capsule is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere today, with conditions permitting, landing off the coast of Florida around 21:57 GMT. The capsule will endure significant thermal exposure during re-entry, with temperatures soaring to around 1600°C before finally slowing down significantly to allow for gentle deployment of parachutes and landing.
Once safely back, Wilmore and Williams are excited to reconnect with families and beloved pets. The emotional anticipation for their return was shared among many; people have closely followed their mission as it evolved from routine tasks to being lengthy subjects of political discussions.
Despite this remarkable endeavor facing political questions about their delays, their time at the ISS was productive. With their extended mission now set to conclude, excitement and relief abound for their eventual return to loved ones and normal life after such unprecedented experiences high above Earth.
Following their arrival back on solid ground, both astronauts will continue to contribute to the field of space exploration, providing insights gathered during their extraordinary endeavor to future missions with NASA and beyond. Their learned experiences will help shape preparations for astronauts heading to the Moon, Mars, and other endeavors guided by upcoming Artemis missions and other international collaborations.
