Nasa astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on Tuesday after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida Panhandle in the early evening, bringing an end to a journey that was initially expected to last just a week.
Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, 2024, for what was meant to be an eight-day test mission. However, multiple technical issues arose, including helium leaks and propulsion system problems, forcing Nasa to return Starliner to Earth without a crew. The two astronauts were instead integrated into the ISS crew and had to wait for an alternate ride home.
While a SpaceX capsule was available for their return since September, Nasa opted to keep them on board to ensure the space station remained fully staffed. Further delays emerged due to battery issues in the replacement SpaceX Dragon capsule, pushing their return to March 2025.
Nasa finally cleared their departure on Sunday after their relief crew arrived on the ISS. The two astronauts spent 286 days in space—278 days longer than planned—completing 4,576 orbits around Earth and covering 121 million miles.
Despite growing public debate, Nasa maintained that Williams and Wilmore were never “stranded.” While critics, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, blamed the Biden administration for delays, Nasa officials stressed that the astronauts remained safe and had a functioning spacecraft available for an emergency return.
Wilmore, 62, and Williams, 59, seamlessly transitioned into full-time ISS crew members, participating in scientific research, repairs, and spacewalks. Williams set a record for the most career spacewalking time among female astronauts, logging 62 hours over nine excursions. She also took over as the ISS commander during their stay, holding the post until earlier this month.
As their return neared, prayers were offered at 21 Hindu temples across the U.S. for Williams’ safe arrival, reflecting her Indian heritage. Wilmore’s Houston-based Baptist church also held prayer services for his safe return.
Their families eagerly awaited their arrival, with Williams’ cousin’s wife, Falguni Pandya, stating, “She was definitely ready to come home.” Wilmore, meanwhile, missed most of his younger daughter’s senior year of high school, making his homecoming particularly emotional.
The astronauts will now undergo medical evaluations before reuniting with their loved ones in Houston. Their unexpected journey has not only tested new spacecraft technology but also underscored the challenges of human spaceflight as Nasa continues its push toward the Moon and Mars.