NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have safely landed on Earth after spending nine months in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which began on June 5, 2024, was originally intended for a shorter duration but was prolonged due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was scheduled to return them.
The crew departed the ISS on SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom spacecraft. The capsule undocked at 10:35 AM IST on 18th March 2025, and their return journey began. The spacecraft landed safely off the coast of Florida after around 17 hours. Recovery teams fetched the crew and took them in for post-mission medical check-ups right away.
Since their return, Williams and Wilmore have begun a structured rehabilitation program to adapt back to Earth’s gravity. The 45-day process is required to reduce the physiological effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity. Muscle atrophy and balance issues are likely results of long-duration spaceflight, so a controlled recovery process is necessary.
Throughout their extended mission, both astronauts worked industriously, busy with scientific experiments and technological demonstrations on the ISS. Their work contributed to ongoing research studies in several fields, spanning from human adaptability in space through materials science to advanced spaceflight technologies. Their commitment to conducting research was not interrupted even after facing challenges due to their extended stay duration.
Their arrival serves as an indicator of NASA’s partnership with commercial spaceflight companies to provide safe and efficient space travel. Their delayed arrival pushed their mission beyond the original timeline, but their safe landing is another milestone in human space exploration. Their work has been acknowledged by NASA, and their service on the ISS will help future missions.
When they are done with their rehabilitation, Williams and Wilmore will share their lessons learned during their mission with future space missions. Their passion for scientific discovery and exploration of space is evidence of the never-ending push to increase human presence beyond the planet Earth.
Source: www.wired.com