Live NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Re-Entry and Splashdown
Nasa astronauts heading back to Earth on SpaceX Dragon capsule after being ‘stranded’ on ISS for months
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission is currently in the process of returning to Earth, with a splashdown scheduled for approximately 5:57 PM EDT on March 18, 2025. The astronauts aboard include NASA’s Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They have completed a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and are bringing back important scientific research.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun their long-awaited journey back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule after spending nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). Their return was delayed due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was initially intended to bring them home after a short mission that began in June 2024.
Departure Details
The Crew Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at 1:05 AM ET on March 19, 2025, initiating a 17-hour return journey. The expected splashdown is scheduled for approximately 5:57 PM ET off the coast of Florida.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Re-Entry and Splashdown
Prior to departure, the astronauts participated in final checks and shared moments with colleagues at the ISS, including laughter and farewells.
Background on Their Extended Stay
Williams and Wilmore were part of the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner, which encountered multiple technical failures that rendered it unfit for their return. Consequently, NASA opted to utilize SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for their homeward journey, marking a significant reliance on SpaceX due to ongoing challenges with Boeing’s spacecraft.
Current Mission Status
The Crew Dragon capsule is carrying four astronauts: Williams, Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and Roscosmos’ Aleksandr Gorbunov. The team will undergo recovery operations upon landing, with NASA’s recovery teams prepared to assist them as they transition back to Earth.
This mission underscores the complexities of modern space travel and highlights the importance of having multiple spacecraft options for astronaut transport. Despite the challenges faced during their extended stay, both astronauts expressed a positive outlook on their experiences in space.
Viewing Options
NASA will provide live coverage throughout the return process on its platform, NASA+, along with other streaming options available on social media and various news outlets. This marks SpaceX’s ninth operational crew return under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
The Crew-9 mission has been adjusted to accommodate favorable weather conditions for splashdown, moving the return date up from an originally planned later date due to forecasts of worsening weather later in the week.
