NASA astronauts return to Earth after 9 months stuck in space
Written by Site Hub on March 19, 2025
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth on Tuesday after spending an unexpected 286 days in space due to multiple spacecraft delays. Originally set for a brief test mission on Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June 2024, the duo ended up staying aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months as NASA resolved technical issues.
Their return came via a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Tallahassee, Florida. Wilmore and Williams were joined by NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, who had arrived earlier on another SpaceX mission.
During their extended stay, Wilmore and Williams fully integrated into ISS operations, conducting experiments, repairs, and spacewalks. Williams set a new record for the most spacewalking hours by a female astronaut. Despite political pressure to speed up their return, both astronauts remained committed to NASA’s mission and decisions.
Now back on Earth, they will undergo medical evaluations before reuniting with their families in Houston.
Source: AP News
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