After spending over nine months in space, two NASA astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, have safely returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule. The Crew Dragon, carrying the astronauts, landed in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida, marking a successful end to their prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Wilmore and Williams were joined by two other astronauts, Nick Hague from NASA and Alexander Gorbunov from Roscosmos, on their 17-hour journey back to Earth, which concluded at approximately 9:50 PM GMT on March 18, 2025.
According to reports, the astronauts’ return was made possible by the arrival of a new crew at the ISS, courtesy of the Crew-10 mission, which brought four new astronauts to the space station. This development allowed Wilmore and Williams, who had been stranded on the ISS since June 2024, to finally return home. The two astronauts had initially traveled to the ISS aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft but were unable to return due to technical issues with the vehicle.
The recovery process, which involved the SpaceX capsule splashing down in the Atlantic, was closely monitored by NASA officials. After the capsule was recovered, the astronauts were helped out, with Hague being the first to emerge, followed by Gorbunov, then Williams, who flashed a bright smile, and finally Wilmore. The successful return of the astronauts marks the end of a challenging period, during which their mission was delayed several times due to logistical preparations.
It’s worth noting that the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which carried the astronauts back to Earth, had been docked at the ISS since September 2024, awaiting the arrival of the new crew. The spacecraft’s presence at the ISS was a crucial factor in facilitating the safe return of Wilmore and Williams. The mission was closely followed by space enthusiasts and experts alike, with many breathing a sigh of relief as the astronauts safely touched down on Earth.
As reported by the Guardian, the successful return of the astronauts is a significant achievement for NASA and SpaceX, highlighting the importance of collaboration and determination in overcoming the challenges of space travel. With the astronauts back on Earth, they will undergo a period of recovery and debriefing, sharing their experiences and insights from their time on the ISS.