CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are finally on their way back to Earth after spending nine unexpected months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their dramatic mission, which began with the ill-fated Boeing Starliner capsule, has captivated audiences and highlighted the challenges involved with space travel.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Wilmore and Williams departed the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule along with two additional astronauts, NASA's Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The capsule undocked from the station early Tuesday morning and is scheduled for splashdown off the Florida coast later today, with favorable weather conditions expected.
The duo launched from Earth on June 6, 2024, on what was originally planned as a short test flight, intended to last about nine days. Complications arose when thrusters on the Starliner capsule, dubbed "Calypso," failed during docking with the ISS, prompting serious concerns about its safety for the return trip. After remaining docked at the station for approximately three months, NASA made the decision to send the Starliner back to Earth empty, transferring Wilmore and Williams to the SpaceX capsule instead and extending their stay indefinitely.
Throughout their extended mission, Wilmore and Williams adapted to their roles as full-fledged crew members at the ISS, conducting experiments and participating in routine maintenance tasks just like any other astronauts. Their commitment and resilience during these challenging times showcased their exceptional professionalism as former Navy test pilots.
During their time aboard the station, Williams made headlines of her own, completing 62 hours across nine spacewalks, setting the record for the most time spent on spacewalks by female astronauts. This achievement not only highlights her skill and dedication but also emphasizes the important contributions women make to space exploration.
Their return had also become entangled with political discourse. Back in late January, President Donald Trump urged SpaceX founder Elon Musk to expedite their return, insinuations were made blaming the Biden administration for the delays. Trump lamented their condition as "stranded," a narrative countered firmly by both Wilmore and Williams, who stated they never felt abandoned at the ISS. "We don’t feel abandoned, we don’t feel stuck, we don’t feel stranded," Wilmore clarified earlier this month, emphasizing the importance of seeing their time at the station as fulfilling and mission-oriented.
Sunita Williams added, "It's been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us," signifying how their families endured the prolonged separation during their extended stay. Wilmore, who missed significant family milestones, including parts of his daughter’s senior year of high school, expressed anticipation about reuniting with loved ones once back on solid ground.
Back on Earth, the recovery of the capsule is expected to be smooth, with mission managers keeping close tabs on weather conditions as their scheduled splashdown time approaches—6:00 p.m. ET fast approaching. The Dragon capsule serves as NASA's primary vehicle for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS since the era of the Space Shuttle ended.
The future for Boeing’s Starliner capsule remains clouded due to the significant setbacks and more than $2 billion losses incurred during its development. While NASA has expressed confidence in the potential of having two competing companies for future space transport, these recent delays have cast doubt on its viability. Wilmore's and Williams' flight was squarely positioned within this broader challenge as both companies look to reinforce their legacies and capabilities for future missions.
With their spacecraft now making its final descent, the excitement continues to build for the two astronauts, who will finally reconnect with their families after more than nine months of isolation and achievement aboard the ISS. Live coverage of their splashdown will be available, promising to share this much-anticipated reunion with the world.
Wilmore and Williams' odyssey serves as both testimony to human endurance and innovation, as they navigate the unpredictable frontiers of space exploration. It showcases not only the technical achievements of NASA but also the enduring human spirit and the strong bonds forged during such extraordinary circumstances as they return home as heroes.
