NASA Astronauts Return After Extended ISS Mission
NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, along with Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, have successfully departed from the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, Freedom. Their journey home commenced at 1:05 a.m. EDT on March 18, 2025, following an unexpected nine-month stay in space. This mission marks one of the longest flights undertaken by astronauts launched via Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Return Operations Underway
According to NASA, the descent operations for the Crew Dragon capsule began at 4:45 p.m. EDT, with a deorbit burn scheduled for 5:11 p.m. EDT. The capsule is anticipated to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida, approximately 46 minutes after the burn. Recovery teams are already positioned near the designated landing area, ready to assist the crew upon their arrival. The extended duration of Wilmore and Williams’ mission was due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft, which led to their return via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon instead.
Crew Reflects on Extended Mission
During a live broadcast by NASA, Commander Nick Hague expressed the importance of their mission, emphasizing the privilege of living and working aboard the ISS. He acknowledged the global collaboration that made their journey possible, highlighting the hard work of teams from various nations. Wilmore and Williams, who initially traveled to space on Boeing’s Starliner, faced delays in their return due to ongoing evaluations of the spacecraft. Their extended stay allowed them to conduct additional scientific research and engage in station operations beyond their original mission objectives.
Live Coverage and Recovery Preparations
NASA has confirmed that the re-entry and splashdown procedures will be broadcast live, offering real-time updates as the crew completes their journey back to Earth. Recovery teams are prepared to assist the astronauts immediately after landing, followed by medical assessments and debriefings. This return marks a significant step for NASA as it continues to evaluate the performance of commercial spacecraft, which will inform future missions and enhance transport capabilities for long-duration space travel.
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