Sunita Williams: Homecoming from Space Station | NASA

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore departed the International Space Station for home.
• The mission was originally intended to last eight days but extended to nine months.
• The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft departed on March 18, 2025.
• Technical issues forced the astronauts to remain on the station longer than planned.
• The spacecraft is expected to splashdown off the coast of Florida on March 19.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), commencing their journey home. The mission, initially planned for just eight days, lasted an unexpected nine months.

Their return journey began on March 18, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, accompanied by fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The astronauts donned their suits and entered the spacecraft, as Crew-10 astronauts bid them farewell.

Williams and Wilmore launched on June 5, 2024, as part of Boeing’s first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft. The world was watching Sunita Williams’ mission with great interest.

However, technical issues, including propulsion system malfunctions, prevented their timely return. They were required to remain aboard the ISS. The Starliner was sent back to Earth uncrewed in September 2024. This unexpected extension allowed them to contribute to over 150 scientific experiments in microgravity. Sunita and Butch fully utilized this opportunity.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft is set for a 17-hour flight back to Earth. After undocking, the spacecraft navigated away from the ISS to enter its descent phase.

As it approaches reentry, the Crew Dragon will jettison its trunk. It will orient itself heat shield downwards. This is to withstand the intense heat generated during atmospheric reentry.

Once it reenters Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will deploy four parachutes to further slow its descent. This carefully orchestrated process ensures a safe landing.

Splashdown is expected off the coast of Florida at around 3:27 AM IST on March 19. A SpaceX recovery ship will be on standby to retrieve Williams, Wilmore, and their crewmates shortly after landing.

Their homecoming not only signifies personal achievement but also highlights the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming unexpected challenges in space exploration. The courage of Sunita Williams and her team will always be remembered.

• Astronauts’ Names: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore
• Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon
• Mission Duration: Originally eight days, extended to nine months
• Departure Date: March 18, 2025
• Landing Location: Off the coast of Florida

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore departed the International Space Station.
• The mission was originally intended to last eight days, but extended to nine months.
• Technical issues forced the astronauts to remain on the station longer than planned.
• The spacecraft is expected to splashdown off the coast of Florida on March 19.
• This mission demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in space exploration.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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