NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday to return home after spending an impressive 286 days in space. Their mission, initially planned as an eight-day test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, experienced multiple technical setbacks that extended their time in orbit.
What Went Wrong with Starliner?
Shortly after arriving at the ISS, engineers detected critical issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and propulsion system malfunctions. These problems made the spacecraft unsafe for their return journey. Moreover, the astronauts reported hearing strange sounds from the Starliner while it was docked to the ISS.
By September 2024, NASA decided to send the Starliner back to Earth uncrewed. This decision aimed to free up docking space for other missions, effectively stranding Williams and Wilmore on the ISS longer than anticipated.
During their extended stay, the astronauts made significant contributions to scientific research. They participated in over 150 experiments, advancing our understanding of various fields. Despite the unexpected circumstances, they adapted well to life in microgravity and remained engaged with ongoing ISS operations.
A New Return Plan for NASA Astronauts
As NASA developed a safe return plan, they arranged for Williams and Wilmore to come back on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft as part of the Crew-9 mission. This plan depended on the successful arrival of the Crew-10 mission, which docked at the ISS on March 17, 2025. The Crew-10 team, consisting of four astronauts, would take over operations from Williams and Wilmore.
The splashdown is anticipated off the coast of Florida later tonight. After nearly nine months in space, the astronauts will face the challenges of readjusting to Earth’s gravity, a significant transition after their extended mission.
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