NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore Return After Nine-Month Space Ordeal
Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, are set to return to Earth after an unexpected nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The duo undocked from the ISS early Tuesday morning aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and is anticipated to splash down off Florida’s coast after a 17-hour journey.
Their lengthy stay was a result of safety concerns surrounding Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was originally planned for their return. After suffering technical issues during their launch to the ISS on June 5, including a thruster malfunction, NASA determined the Starliner was unsafe for their return, prolonging their stay.
Both astronauts are seasoned space travelers. Williams, a former U.S. Navy officer, has spent over 322 days in space, while Wilmore has logged 178 days and served as a commander on previous missions. Despite the extended timeline, both astronauts have maintained good health, engaging in regular exercise and conducting research aboard the station.
Their return process began late Monday, with hatch closures preceding their undocking. The cargo capsule, which had been docked since September 2024, was originally part of a crewed test flight under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program aimed at advancing private space travel capabilities.
Williams and Wilmore’s return comes after Crew-10—made up of four astronauts who arrived to replace them—docked at the ISS, finally allowing them to come home. While not the first astronauts to face an extended space stay, their experience highlights the complexities involved in modern space missions and the resilience of those who undertake them.
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