After a mission that unexpectedly stretched to nearly nine months, NASA astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore have splashed down off the coast of Florida.
Returning on March 18, 2025, the duo's journey to Earth marks the conclusion of an unprecedented space mission that began when they launched aboard Boeing's Starliner Calypso on June 5, 2024. Initially intended to last just eight days on the International Space Station (ISS), unforeseen technical failures with their spacecraft's thrusters resulted in a lengthy stay in low Earth orbit.
Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 62, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left the ISS after an extended period of scientific research involving 150 experiments and over 900 hours dedicated to groundbreaking studies.
The spacecraft's return was remarkable, occurring at approximately 5:57 PM local time (21:57 GMT) on March 18 after a strenuous 17-hour journey from the space station. NASA's recovery efforts were in full swing as the Dragon capsule, transporting the Crew-9 astronauts, hit the water. Eyewitnesses noted dolphins frolicking nearby during the splashdown, marking a joyful homecoming.
Reflecting on their lengthy mission, Wilmore highlighted their resilience during unexpected challenges, stating, "We came prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short." NASA manager Steve Stich assured media that both astronauts were doing well, adding, "The crew's doing great... eventually they'll make their way back to Houston, where they’ll enjoy some well-deserved time off with their families once debriefs are complete."
The mission, however, was complicated by serious technical difficulties. The Starliner encountered multiple malfunctions, including five helium leaks, five dead maneuvering thrusters, and a propellant valve failure that delayed the return journey. NASA ultimately opted to keep Williams and Wilmore safely aboard the ISS until their replacement crew arrived, illustrating the complexities of human spaceflight operations.
NASA's decision not to allow the astronauts to return with their Starliner underscores the critical nature of astronaut safety, a priority that drives mission protocols. The Starliner returned to Earth without them in September 2024, after impatience led to back-to-back delays on earlier crewed flights. Wilmore did not believe NASA's decision to keep them on the ISS was politically motivated, despite ongoing comments by some political figures implying otherwise.
The Crew-9's mission represented an important opportunity for scientific advancement at the ISS. The results of their research will inform future lunar missions, with Operations Chief Joel Montalbano emphasizing, "This work is the foundation for the agency’s efforts to return to the moon and venture on to Mars." The collaboration also served to reinforce the longstanding partnership between the United States and Russia in the realm of space exploration.
Post-landing recovery procedures important for the astronauts’ health were also discussed. After spending extended time in microgravity, astronauts typically face physical repercussions like muscle atrophy, balance issues, and potential vision impairment. The astronauts will undergo health checks upon their return to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston before they can reunite with their families.
Upon arrival back on Earth, adjustments will take time as they re-acclimate. The duo experienced both dramatic environments and refers to their extended time on the ISS as moments filled with triumph. For Williams, the station was a place of happiness, and she remarked,
