After being stranded for more than nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally begun their long-awaited return to Earth. Their extended mission, which began with the launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule back on June 5, 2024, was originally expected to last just over a week. Instead, numerous technical issues forced them to remain at the ISS far longer than anticipated. Early on the morning of March 18, 2025, the duo left the ISS aboard a SpaceX capsule accompanied by two other astronauts, marking the end of their unexpected adventure.
The astronauts bid farewell to their temporary home, which they had inhabited since early June 2024, at 1:05 AM ET when their Crew Dragon capsule undocked autonomously from the ISS. Williams and Wilmore were not only returning home, but they were also transitioning from their original spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner, to SpaceX due to the earlier capsule’s significant technical difficulties. NASA officials deemed it safer for the two seasoned astronauts to return via SpaceX's Crew Dragon instead.
"It's time to come home," wrote Dinesh Rawal, Williams's cousin, who expressed the family's excitement for her return. "We’re doing prayers and will distribute sweets upon her arrival. She is the pride of the nation!" This familial sentiment echoed across India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his warm regards. "When I met President Trump and President Biden, I always asked about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians take immense pride in your achievements," Modi wrote, outlining his eagerness to welcome Williams back to India.
The long-awaited splashdown is projected for approximately 5:57 PM ET off the Florida Gulf Coast, depending on favorable weather conditions. Recovery teams will be on site to assist with the re-entry process and facilitate the astronauts' return.
The backdrop of Williams and Wilmore's extended stay at the ISS is rife with complications. Initially, their return was scheduled for February 2025 but was deferred when NASA shifted to schedule the Crew-10 mission. Technical setbacks faced by the Boeing Starliner, coupled with delays from SpaceX's own capsules, led to mounting frustration.
This complex return process took on political tones when former President Trump discussed the situation. He reportedly advised SpaceX founder Elon Musk to hasten their return. Trump stressed: "We’re ready to get you out of there, you shouldn’t have been up there this long." Musk and Trump publicly insisted on expediting their rescue, arguing against the delays from NASA and the Biden administration.
Over the nine months, both Williams and Wilmore actively participated as crew members aboard the ISS. They conducted scientific experiments, performed equipment repairs, and completed numerous spacewalks; Williams even set the record for the most time spent spacewalking among female astronauts, totaling 62 hours across nine events.
Despite the harrowing headlines and claims of being "stuck" or even "abandoned," both astronauts diligently refuted the narrative. "It’s work. It’s fun. It’s been trying at times, no doubt," Wilmore stated during interviews, emphasizing their commitment to their mission.
During the recent Crew-10 mission launch on March 15, 2025, NASA sent new astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to replace Williams and Wilmore, paving the way for their departure. "We’ll miss you, but have a great trip home!" exclaimed NASA astronaut Anne McClain as their capsule pulled away from the station.
Looking forward to reuniting with their families, the emotional toll of the extended mission is palpable. Wilmore lamented missing significant milestones such as his youngest daughter's senior year of high school, and Williams reflected on the challenges faced by her support system back home. "It's been trying at times, no doubt," she acknowledged.
Technical challenges during their mission included issues with the Starliner spacecraft necessitating its return empty due to malfunctions shortly after launch. NASA conducted rigorous assessments to determine safety protocols for both the departure and re-entry phases, ensuring no risks were taken. NASA officials assured the public of the astronauts' excellent health and readiness for the transition back to Earth's gravitational forces.
A key moment occurs around 5:06 PM ET when the capsule will jettison its unpressurized trunk, followed by commencement of the deorbit burn at 5:11 PM. Subsequently, the nosecone will be closed and splashdown will critically depend on weather conditions.
After nearly ten months of unexpected developments and logistical adjustments, Williams and Wilmore’s departure will not only mark their successful return but serve as significant milestones for NASA’s commercial spaceflight initiative. The trials and triumphs observed throughout their experience offer invaluable lessons for future expeditions to space.
With their return imminent, the attention shifts from their daring odyssey back to their hopeful new beginnings on Earth, and the joy of reuniting with family awaits.
