Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally returning to Earth after an unexpectedly long stay on the International Space Station (ISS). What was supposed to be a short, ten-day trip in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft turned into an over nine-month mission due to a series of technical problems. The Starliner experienced issues like helium leaks and malfunctions in its propulsion system, forcing NASA to delay the return indefinitely. Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who arrived at the ISS later, will also be returning with Williams and Wilmore on the same SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
After several delays, NASA has confirmed that Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth on March 16, 2025, aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. This decision was influenced by the fact that Crew-9 launched with only two astronauts, making it sensible to accommodate Williams and Wilmore for their long-duration mission. The return was initially scheduled for February but was postponed due to logistical adjustments.
Meanwhile, NASA's Crew-10 mission is set to launch on March 12, 2025, from the Kennedy Space Center. This mission will carry NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA's Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos' Kirill Peskov to the ISS for a long-duration stay. Due to delays in constructing a new Crew Dragon spacecraft, Crew-10 will fly aboard the veteran Endurance capsule. This strategic decision ensures the continuity of ISS operations and research.
Reportedly, the swap comes after public commentary from US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk about the stranded astronauts. However, NASA officials maintained that the decision was in motion before the public comments. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stitch, explained that delays in spacecraft production are common, and the shift to Endurance was finalized in late January. NASA’s Crew-9 and Crew-10 missions are part of the Commercial Crew Program using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. Crew-9, launched in August 2024, carried NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos’ Aleksandr Gorbunov, with two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams. Crew-10, launching March 12, 2025, will replace Crew-9 with a six-month stay. It will fly aboard the veteran Dragon Endurance instead of a new spacecraft due to manufacturing delays, ensuring continued ISS operations.
The efforts to expedite Williams and Wilmore's return have been part of NASA's broader commitment to addressing the challenges faced by astronauts in space. Public figures, including US President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, have voiced support for accelerating the return process. However, NASA officials emphasize that the decision to utilize the Endurance capsule was made independently of these public comments, as part of ongoing adjustments to manage delays in spacecraft production.
Experts say that the recent developments highlight the complexities and adaptability required in space missions. “The flexibility shown in accommodating Williams and Wilmore on Crew-9 underscores NASA's ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances while ensuring the safety and success of its missions. As Williams and Wilmore prepare to conclude their extended stay in space, their experience serves as a testament to the resilience and teamwork that define space exploration,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India.
US astronaut Suni Williams works outside the International Space Station during a spacewalk on Jan 30, 2025 | AP /NASA
The Crew Dragon spacecraft is slated to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean, specifically off the coast of Florida near Cape Canaveral. This location is chosen for its relatively calm waters and proximity to NASA's recovery teams at Kennedy Space Center.
Safety precautions for the splashdown are extensive. Before reentry, the crew will conduct thorough checks of the spacecraft's systems, including the heat shield and parachutes. Upon reentry, the heat shield will protect the crew from the intense heat generated by atmospheric friction. Once the spacecraft has slowed to a safe speed, the parachutes will deploy, ensuring a gentle landing in the ocean.
Recovery teams will be on standby in boats, ready to retrieve the spacecraft and assist the crew. Medical personnel will be present to conduct immediate health assessments. The spacecraft's location will be closely monitored throughout the descent, and backup recovery teams will be available if needed.
“Using SpaceX's Crew Dragon highlights its reliability and versatility. “This spacecraft has become a vital part of NASA's program for commercial space travel, proving its ability to handle crewed missions and logistical challenges. Its capacity and safety features make it a dependable choice for this return journey,” pointed out space expert Girish Linganna.
Extended periods in microgravity can lead to muscle loss, bone density reduction, and fluid shifts within the body. Williams and Wilmore will undergo thorough medical checkups upon their return to assess their physical and mental well-being, as their mission was prolonged. Hague and Gorbunov will also be checked, but their time was as planned. They may experience difficulties adjusting to Earth's gravity, even with simple tasks. NASA has provided ongoing support and will ensure they receive the necessary medical care after landing.
“The Starliner's technical problems have prompted NASA to reassess its reliance on Boeing's technology. The decision to bring the Starliner back to Earth without a crew in September 2024 was a safety precaution. This situation underscores the importance of having multiple dependable options for crewed space missions. SpaceX's Crew Dragon has proven to be a reliable alternative, strengthening NASA's confidence in its capabilities,” added Linganna.
Throughout their extended stay, NASA has focused on maintaining the astronauts' morale. Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov have remained positive, participating in outreach activities and sharing their experiences. Their dedication to the mission has been evident as they continued to contribute to scientific research and station maintenance.
Williams' and Wilmore's extended stay, and the return of all four astronauts, marks a significant moment for NASA. The careful planning and coordination demonstrate the agency's commitment to astronaut safety during long-duration missions. The successful completion of this mission will highlight human resilience and ingenuity in the face of unexpected challenges.
