NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore has returned to earth after 9 months on Wednesday at around 3:27 IST from International Space Station. They have begun their 17-hour journey back to Earth on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
According to NASA report, the two astronauts undocked from ISS at around 10:35 IST on Tuesday, beginning their 17-hour journey back to Earth.
How did Sunita Williams Stuck at ISS?
Sunita Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore traveled on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 to test its first crewed mission and spent just over a week on a space expedition.
However, the Boeing Starliner experienced propulsion problems and was declared unfit to bring them back to Earth. As a result, Williams has remained on the ISS, waiting for a replacement shuttle to return.
They have returned to earth after SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon splashdown in Florida. They land on the sea where surprisingly it got surrounded by dolphins. After a successful splashdown off the Florida coast, she smiled and waved as she was helped out of the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon capsule.
After they land SpaceX stated, “Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks!”
White House Highlights Trump’s Role in Astronauts’ Return
The White House on Tuesday (local time) emphasized how U.S. President Donald Trump prioritized the safe return of the stranded NASA Crew-9 astronauts—Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
According to the White House, the astronauts successfully splashed down in the Gulf of America, with credit given to Elon Musk for their safe return.
Trump’s Promise Fulfilled
In a post on X, the White House stated:
“PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA!”
How is Sunita William and Butch Wilmore after returning to Earth?
Sunita Williams has return to earth after 9 months from ISS, so they will face many problems as she was at space for long period.
- Both the astronauts will undergo a 45-day rehabilitation led by Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists.
- The first phases of rehab will include ambulation flexibility, muscle strengthening, exercise, and cardiovascular conditioning.
- Due to long period time in space they experienced loss of body mass and muscles density, requiring recovery to adjust back to Earth’s gravity.
- During the rehabilitation periods NASA will closely tracked to make sure there is no vision impairment, muscle loss, balance issue, and bone density loss.
Video of Landing NASA’s SpaceX Crew9 of Sunita William
PM Narendra Modi Welcome them
“Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you.
Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions.
Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career.
We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity.”
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Stated
“Take a bow – this is indeed one of the high points of humanity, a superfine convergence of endurance and scientific advancement. Welcome back #SunitaWilliams”
India’s President Congratulates the entire team
“Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA’s Crew 9 mission on Earth! India’s daughter Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit. Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!”
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated Sunita Williams as “Daughter of India”
He stated through X, “A moment of glory , pride and relief! The whole world comes together to celebrate the safe return of this illustrious daughter of India who has instantly gone down in the history for the courage, conviction and consistency with which she endured the uncertainties of Space.”
ISRO Welcome Sunita Williams
ISRO stated, “Welcome back, Sunita Williams!
Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement. A testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration! Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire space enthusiasts around the world. As Secretary DoS and Chairman ISRO, I on behalf of my colleagues extend a warm greetings to you and wish you a great day ahead. When Bharat under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi ji is working towards making India as a developed country, we wish to utilise your expertise in the space exploration.”
