PREVIEW

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finally returned to Earth on Tuesday (18March2025) after spending nine months stuck in space aboard the International Space Station.

Their SpaceX capsule made a rapid and fiery re-entry through the Earth's atmosphere before deploying four parachutes to ensure a gentle splashdown off the coast of Florida.

A pod of dolphins were even seen greeting the astronauts by circling the craft as it floated in the water.

After their recovery by a support vessel, the relieved astronauts smiled and waved as they were helped out of the hatch, joined by fellow crew members, astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Their return marks the conclusion of a mission originally planned to last just eight days.
However, it was significantly extended due to technical difficulties with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that Butch and Suni had used to travel to the International Space Station.

Upon arrival, the astronauts were assisted onto stretchers, a standard procedure after prolonged periods in a weightless environment.

They will undergo medical assessments before reuniting with their families.

Suni Williams was seen exiting the capsule smiling, wearing a white space suit and helmet, assisted by two crew members dressed in black.
The pair’s troubles began in June 2024, when they embarked on the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner.

However, technical malfunctions meant that the capsule was deemed too risky for their return journey. It was sent back to Earth empty in early September, leaving the astronauts stranded aboard the ISS until an alternative ride was arranged.

NASA opted to bring them back aboard a SpaceX capsule that arrived at the ISS in late September. This flight, originally intended for four astronauts, had two spare seats, allowing Butch and Suni to return.

This meant they had to stay in space for six months rather than the planned week or so.
Despite the change of plans, the astronauts embraced their prolonged stay aboard the ISS.
They conducted numerous experiments and participated in spacewalks, with Suni Williams breaking the record for the most hours spent outside the space station by a female astronaut.

At Christmas, the crew donned Santa hats and reindeer antlers, recording a festive message despite missing the holiday at home.

Back on Earth, they will soon be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, for medical evaluations.

Extended space missions take a toll on the body. Astronauts experience bone density loss, muscle deterioration, and changes in blood circulation. Fluid shifts in microgravity can also affect eyesight.

To aid their recovery, they will follow a strict rehabilitation and exercise regime as they readjust to gravity.

During their time aboard the ISS, Butch and Suni remained in good spirits but were eager to return to their home comforts.

Last month, Suni Williams told CBS: "I’m looking forward to seeing my family, my dogs, and jumping in the ocean. That will be really nice – to be back on Earth and feel Earth again."