Nasa astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are preparing for their return to Earth after nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking the end of what has been both a historic and unexpected mission.
The two astronauts launched to the ISS in June 2024 as part of the first crewed mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Initially intended to be a short stay of about just ten days, the mission took a turn when the Starliner spacecraft encountered propulsion issues, which deemed it unfit to return them to Earth as scheduled.
After patiently awaiting the arrival of their backup transportation, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule "Freedom," Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, are set to return to Earth. The Dragon capsule docked at the ISS on March 16, 2025, enabling their long-awaited ride home.
Nasa has confirmed plans for the astronauts' splashdown off the Florida coast, now set for 5:57 PM EDT on March 18, 2025—a slight adjustment from the previous scheduling, initially slated for March 19. According to Nasa, "The updated return target continues to allow the space station crew members time to complete handover duties, providing operational flexibility for anticipated weather conditions later in the week." This plan reflects careful consideration of both safety and orbital logistics.
The timeline for their return includes undocking from the ISS at approximately 1:05 AM EDT on Tuesday, followed by the expected deorbit burn at 5:11 PM, culminating with their splashdown roughly 46 minutes later. This departure process from the ISS will be broadcast live, beginning with preparations for hatch closure expected at 10:45 PM EDT on March 17, enhancing the public's ability to engage with and witness this historic event.
The story behind Williams and Wilmore’s extended stay is one of resilience and adaptability. Upon arriving at the ISS, they experienced several obstacles, having to receive additional food and clothing supplies, proving their time on board exceeded standard expectations. This prolonged mission has drawn widespread attention, especially from space enthusiasts and officials alike, including recent comments from prominent figures such as President Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who expressed their views on the situation and the political implications surrounding their extended presence in orbit.
Interestingly, the prospect of financial compensation for their 'overtime' stay has emerged as another focal point of curiosity. While the duo might receive around $1,148 each for incidental expenses under NASA's pay guidelines—similar to previous missions—former astronaut Cady Coleman clarified, "There is some small amount of money per day for incidentals...for me, it was around $4 a day." Williams and Wilmore fall under the GS-15 scale of the General Schedule, with ranked salaries expected to range from $125,133 to $162,672; their prorated earnings should reflect their nine-month tenure aboard the ISS.
Despite their extended stay being far longer than the typical ISS mission, it falls well below the US record of 371 days set by astronaut Frank Rubio and the world record held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov’s 437 days aboard Mir. Nevertheless, the human aspect of their long separation from families has not gone unnoticed, as it brings both admiration and empathy from earthbound audiences.
Nasa’s efforts to facilitate safe return reflect both logistical ingenuity and the dedication of its astronauts. With the arrival of Crew-10 marking another significant launch and successful coordination, the agency continues to fulfill its promise to maintain operational efficiency even when faced with unexpected challenges.
With the countdown to their return now active, the excitement surrounding Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s homecoming continues to build. This event serves not only as the end of their personal odyssey but as another remarkable chapter in human space exploration, showcasing the resilience, collaboration, and innovation of organizations like Nasa and SpaceX.
People can tune in to witness the live coverage provided by NASA as the Crew Dragon capsule closes hatches and prepares for departure from the ISS. With other astronauts involved and the keenness of space enthusiasts worldwide, the expected splashdown signifies not just the return of two astronauts but the triumph of human spirit and perseverance against the far reaches of space.