NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally embarked on their long-awaited return to Earth after spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The duo, joined by fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, undocked from the orbiting laboratory at 1:05 AM ET (0505 GMT) on March 18, 2025, marking the start of their 17-hour voyage back home.
Their homecoming follows the unexpected extension of their mission, originally intended to last only a week. Due to technical failures with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was intended for their return, the astronauts found themselves spending much longer than anticipated on the ISS—a total of 286 days. After drawing significant attention, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who controversially claimed former President Joe Biden "abandoned" Wilmore and Williams during their mission, the necessity for action became clear.
"Crew-9 is going home," Hague announced as they prepared to undock. He described it as a privilege to "call the station home," emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the mission and its global contributions. The crew is expected to splash down off the coast of Florida at approximately 5:57 PM ET on the same day.
Wilmore and Williams initially launched aboard the Starliner on June 6, 2024, with hopes of completing their eight-day test mission. Their plans were derailed due to significant issues with the spacecraft's propulsion system, requiring NASA to pivot and utilize SpaceX's Crew Dragon for their return trip. This swap was necessary to uphold safety and operational integrity of NASA's crew rotation schedules.
Reflecting on the extended mission, Wilmore stated, "We came prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short. That's what your nation's human spaceflight program's all about—planning for unknown, unexpected contingencies." With the arrival of their replacements, part of NASA's Crew-10 mission, Wilmore and Williams began preparations for their return. Wilmore’s words pointed to the flexibility and adaptability of the national space program amid unforeseen challenges.
Throughout their extended stay, the astronauts had been involved with scientific research and maintenance duties aboard the ISS, performing routine operations alongside their fellow crew members. Williams demonstrated remarkable skills during two six-hour spacewalks during her time on the station. She has now accumulated 62 hours and 6 minutes of spacewalking time, the record for any female astronaut, trailing only behind former astronaut Peggy Whitson.
Williams expressed excitement about returning home, especially to see her family and beloved dogs. "It's been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us," she shared, indicating the emotional toll extended missions can take on both astronauts and their families. It’s clear the personal sacrifices made during these missions stir deep feelings—a sentiment echoed by both astronauts as they transitioned back to life on Earth.
The four-person Crew-9 mission not only showcased NASA's contingency planning but also highlighted the increased demand for crewed space missions as the agency seeks to bolster human spaceflight capabilities. The ISS, circling Earth at roughly 254 miles (409 km) altitude, has served as the backdrop for international collaboration, having been continuously occupied for nearly 25 years.
Leading up to their departure, the astronauts took time to say their goodbyes to their colleagues aboard the ISS. They shared laughs and captured moments on camera before sealing themselves inside their Crew Dragon capsule for two hours of final testing prior to undocking.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is the United States' only orbital-class crew vehicle, marking its importance within the U.S. space program following Boeing's troubled Starliner development. This mission threw the future of the Starliner project—and its ability to compete with SpaceX—into question, particularly as concerns about safety continued to loom over Boeing’s designs.
The astronauts' return has been anticipated not only as personal relief but also as a sign of resilience within the space program. After enduring disruptions and political pressures, their safe splashing down will likely signify new beginnings for both NASA and its past follies with the Starliner. President Trump’s initial call for their quicker return and Musk's assertions about the politics involved stirred controversies swirling around the mission's timeline.
Wilmore and Williams' extended mission came at the cost of additional health checks. Upon splashing down, the astronauts will undergo routine health evaluations to monitor the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body, including concerns of muscle atrophy and vision impairment. Such evaluations are standard procedure to safeguard the health of astronauts post-mission.
The astronauts, having orbited Earth over 4,500 times and traveled more than 120 million miles collectively, are on the brink of concluding this chapter filled with unexpected twists. They expressed gratitude for the experience and the outpouring of support from the ground—an emotional thread woven through their lengthy time on the spacecraft. With their return imminent, anticipation builds not only for Wilmore and Williams but for all of those involved with the mission from inception to conclusion.
Finally, the scope of the mission extends beyond personal achievement; it stands as a reflection of human ingenuity and perseverance. The remarkable endeavor not only pushes the boundaries of exploration but serves as testimony to the capabilities of collaborative efforts among nations during challenging circumstances. On March 18, 2025, as Wilmore and Williams ascend back to Earth, they carry with them the weight of their remarkable experiences and the enduring spirit of space exploration.
