STUCK in space no more, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on Tuesday, hitching a different ride home to close out a saga that began with a bungled test flight more than nine months ago. Their SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico in the early evening, just hours after departing the International Space Station. Splashdown occurred off the coast of Tallahassee in the Florida Panhandle, bringing their unplanned odyssey to an end. Within an hour, the astronauts were out of their capsule, waving and smiling at the cameras while being hustled away in reclining stretchers for routine medical checks. It all started with a flawed Boeing test flight last spring.

 

The two expected to be gone just a week or so after launching on Boeing’s new Starliner crew capsule on June 5. So many problems cropped up on the way to the space station that NASA eventually sent Starliner back empty and transferred the test pilots to SpaceX, their homecoming into February. Then SpaceX capsule issues added another month’s delay. Sunday’s arrival of their relief crew meant Wilmore and Williams could finally leave. NASA cut them loose a little early, given the iffy weather forecast later this week. They checked out with NASA’s Nick Hague and Russia’s Alexander Gorbunov, who arrived in their own SpaceX capsule last fall with two empty seats reserved for the Starliner duo. Wilmore and Williams ended up spending 286 days in space — 278 days longer than anticipated when they launched.

 

They circled Earth 4,576 times and travelled 121 million miles (195 million kilometers) by the time of splashdown. “On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home,” radioed SpaceX Mission Control in California. “What a ride,” replied Hague, the capsule’s commander. “I see a capsule full of grins ear to ear.” Dolphins circled the capsule as divers readied it for hoisting onto the recovery ship. Once safely on board, the side hatch was opened and the astronauts were helped out, one by one. Williams was next-to-last out, followed by Wilmore who gave two gloved thumbs-up. Wilmore and Williams’ plight captured the world’s attention, giving new meaning to the phrase “stuck at work” and turning “Butch and Suni” into household names.

 

While other astronauts had logged longer spaceflights over the decades, none had to deal with so much uncertainty or see the length of their mission expand by so much. Wilmore and Williams quickly transitioned from guests to full-fledged station crew members, conducting experiments, fixing equipment and even spacewalking together. With 62 hours over nine spacewalks, Williams set a record: the most time spent spacewalking over a career among female astronauts. Both had lived on the orbiting lab before and knew the ropes, and brushed up on their station training before rocketing away. Williams became the station’s commander three months into their stay and held the post until earlier this month. Their mission took an unexpected twist in late January when President Donald Trump asked SpaceX founder Elon Musk to accelerate the astronauts’ return and blamed the delay on the Biden administration. The replacement crew’s brand new SpaceX capsule still wasn’t ready to fly, so SpaceX subbed it with a used one, hurrying things along by at least a few weeks. Even in the middle of the political storm, Wilmore and Williams continued to maintain an even keel at public appearances from orbit, casting no blame and insisting they supported NASA’s decisions from the start. 

 

 

PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined ISRO, politicians and others on Wednesday to celebrate NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ return to Earth after nine months, terming her an inspiration for generations to come and lauding her determination. The President said in a post on X that India’s daughter and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit. “Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA’s Crew 9 mission on Earth! Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!” she said. “Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you,” the Prime Minister said in his post.

 

“Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions. Space exploration is about pushing 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,” the Prime Minister said. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) termed Williams’ extended stay in space a “remarkable achievement”. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed delight over the return and said they have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space.

 

“Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s #Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space. Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe,” Singh wrote in a post on X. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world, he said. “Her courage and achievements make us all proud. Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on earth,” Singh further said in his post. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Wednesday said astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return was a remarkable achievement and a testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration. He also said India would wish to utilise her expertise in space exploration.

 

“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!” ISRO shared Narayanan’s message on ‘X’. He said Williams’ 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,” Narayanan said. “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,” he added. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari and Jyotiraditya Scindia were among those who congratulated Williams.

 

“This incredible moment will be etched in our minds forever as a victory of human resilience. What a moment of relief, as India’s daughter Sunita Williams, and the astronauts of NASA’s #Crew9 mission made a safe return after their nine-month journey of endurance in space. They have gifted an inspirational story for generations to come,” Goyal said. Gadkari hailed Williams as India’s pride and said he is thrilled to see her return safely back to Earth. Scindia said, “As the world held its breath and witnessed the touchdown of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9, we celebrate the return of India’s daughter, Sunita Williams, and Butch Wilmore.” The duo’s courage and dedication amidst uncharted challenges are truly commendable, he added. Messages also came in from several Chief Ministers.