Sunita Williams Returns After 9 Months in Space
The astronauts' 9-month stay on the ISS was extended due to technical problems with Boeing's Starliner, but they were able to return safely aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship, bringing an end to their prolonged mission and paving the way for future space exploration.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean after spending nine unplanned months in space due to technical problems with Boeing's Starliner, returning to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship.
The crew, consisting of Williams, Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 10:35 am IST on Tuesday, marking the beginning of their 17-hour journey back to Earth. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft performed a deorbit burn and deployed parachutes for a gentle splashdown off the Florida coast at 3:27 am IST.
The mission, part of the Commercial Crew Program, aimed to provide a safe and reliable means of transporting crew members to and from low-Earth orbit. During their time on the ISS, the crew performed 150 experiments, including stem cell technology, lighting systems to help maintain circadian rhythms, and plant growth to support future moon and Mars missions.
The astronauts will now undergo a 45-day rehabilitation program after their return. The White House credited President Trump for accelerating the recovery timeline, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh described Williams as an "illustrious daughter of India" and a source of pride for the country.
The successful return of the astronauts marks a significant milestone in space exploration, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and the role of commercial contractors in transporting astronauts to the ISS. The crew's return was welcomed by dolphins, who were seen swimming around the Dragon capsule before it was retrieved by the recovery vessel.