NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after an extraordinary mission that lasted nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The duo splashed down in their SpaceX Dragon capsule off the coast of Florida at approximately 5:57 p.m. ET on March 18, 2025, capping a mission initially planned for just eight days.
Accompanying them were NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who had joined the ISS crew in September 2024. Their return was celebrated by mission control, which welcomed them home with heartfelt cheers as the capsule safely floated in the ocean.
“Nick, Alex, Butch, Suni — on behalf of SpaceX, welcome home,” an ecstatic mission control declared during a live NASA broadcast. Hague, the mission commander, remarked, “What a ride! I see a capsule full of grins, ear to ear.”
Wilmore and Williams' journey began on June 5, 2024, when they arrived at the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner Crew Flight Test. Unfortunately, that mission faced numerous technical complications shortly after launch, notably five helium leaks and malfunctions in its reaction control system. The initial plan to deliver the astronauts back home was discarded, resulting in an extended stay beyond their intended time.
The unexpected prolonged mission also included tasks such as maintenance, scientific experiments, and a record-breaking amount of spacewalking. Williams logged an impressive 62 hours across nine spacewalks, setting a new record for the most time spent spacewalking by a female astronaut.
When their time finally came for departure, the Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. EDT, embarking on a 17-hour journey back to Earth. Prior to their departure, Williams and Wilmore expressed their mixed emotions, knowing they would miss the camaraderie onboard. “We’ll miss you, but have a great journey home,” said NASA astronaut Anne McClain as the capsule separated from the station, floating 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean.
Once the capsule splashed down, recovery teams swiftly sped out to ensure the astronauts' safety by carrying out inspections and retrieving the parachutes. The reunion was filled with joyous laughter as Wilmore and Williams climbed out of the capsule, visibly healthy and excited after their extended adventure.
Despite the joyful homecoming, their extended duration in space sparked controversy at the highest levels of U.S. politics. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Biden administration for allegedly “abandoning” the astronauts in space. This claim further fueled discussions, as it was linked to NASA’s reliance on SpaceX and Boeing to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS following the end of the shuttle program.
NASA officials countered that their decision was based purely on safety guidelines and technical readiness, unrelated to political pressures. They maintained that careful reviews guided the timeline for the return of Wilmore and Williams, emphasizing that their health and wellbeing were the top priority.
As two of the most experienced astronauts, both Wilmore and Williams are retired Navy captains with extensive backgrounds in scientific research and engineering. Williams made history as the first woman to hold the position of commander aboard the ISS during their lengthy stay, which only added to her accolades in space exploration.
The planned expiration of the ISS program is set for 2030, after which NASA aims to transition to commercially operated stations, allowing a greater focus on missions to the Moon and Mars. The future of Boeing’s Starliner capsule remains uncertain, as its previous mission setbacks necessitate further testing and validation.
Overall, while the unexpected extension of their mission did pose challenges, Wilmore and Williams remained resilient, adapting to their circumstances with professionalism throughout their time in orbit.
“It’s been a wild ride, for sure,” said Williams, reflecting on the unexpected extension of their stay. Both astronauts have now returned to Earth, bringing with them invaluable experiences and insights from their nine-month journey among the stars.
