Nasa astronauts heading back to Earth on SpaceX Dragon capsule after being ‘stranded’ on ISS for months
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.
