After an unexpected nine-month stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally heading back to Earth. Initially slated for a brief mission, their journey took an unforeseen turn, leading to an extended stay in orbit.
Now, alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov of the Crew-9 mission, they're set to make their long-awaited return.
The Unexpected Extended Stay
Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, marking its inaugural crewed flight. The mission was intended to be a short-term test, but technical issues with the Starliner capsule necessitated an extended stay. The spacecraft encountered multiple complications, including helium leaks that affected its propulsion system, preventing its safe return, as reported by Cadena SER.
As a result, the astronauts remained on the ISS, contributing to various scientific experiments and station maintenance tasks while awaiting a safe return plan.
The Return Plan: Time and How to Watch
The crew's return journey commenced early Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, named "Freedom," undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. EDT, beginning their trip back to Earth, according to space.com
Key Events and Timings:
- Deorbit Burn: Scheduled for approximately 5:11 p.m. EDT.
- Splashdown: Expected around 5:57 p.m. EDT off the coast of Florida.
NASA will provide live coverage of these events through its streaming service, NASA+.
The schedule is as follows:
- 4:45 p.m. EDT: Coverage of the deorbit burn and re-entry begins.
- 5:57 p.m. EDT: Expected splashdown time.
- 7:30 p.m. EDT: Post-splashdown press conference.
You can access the live coverage on NASA's official website or directly via NASA+.
The Crew's Composition
The returning crew comprises:
- Suni Williams: NASA astronaut with extensive experience, including previous ISS missions.
- Butch Wilmore: Veteran NASA astronaut and former Space Shuttle pilot.
- Nick Hague: NASA astronaut who joined the ISS in September 2024 as part of the Crew-9 mission.
- Aleksandr Gorbunov: Roscosmos cosmonaut who also arrived with Crew-9.
Williams and Wilmore's extended mission has now reached approximately 286 days, significantly longer than the typical six-month ISS expedition.
The Bigger Picture: NASA's Commercial Crew Program
This mission underscores the collaborative efforts between NASA and private aerospace companies like SpaceX and Boeing. The Commercial Crew Program wants to provide safe, cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS. While Boeing's Starliner faced challenges during its maiden crewed flight, SpaceX's Crew Dragon has completed multiple missions, including this current return.
The experience gained from these missions contributes to the overall goal of maintaining a continuous human presence in space and preparing for future deep-space explorations.
As we anticipate the safe return of Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov, the focus also shifts to the newly arrived Crew-10 astronauts. They will continue scientific research and station maintenance, ensuring the ISS remains operational and productive.
The lessons from the Starliner mission will be instrumental in refining spacecraft design and mission protocols, paving the way for more robust and efficient space travel in the future.
For now, all eyes are on the skies (and screens) as we welcome our spacefarers back to Earth.