Sunita Williams Homecoming LIVE: Astronaut Returns After 9 Months

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who spent over nine months at the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues, have finally begun their return journey to Earth.

According to NASA, the duo undocked from the ISS at 10:35 AM IST on Tuesday, embarking on a 17-hour journey home. Their spacecraft, SpaceX’s Dragon, is expected to splash down off the coast of Florida at approximately 3:27 AM IST on Wednesday.

Williams and Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS in June last year aboard Boeing’s Starliner for what was supposed to be a short-duration mission to test the spacecraft’s capabilities. However, due to propulsion system malfunctions, the Starliner was deemed unfit for their return trip and was instead sent back unmanned.

Now, after an extended stay in orbit, the astronauts are set to reunite with their families as they finally make their long-awaited return to Earth.

Stay tuned for live updates on the astronauts' homecoming, brought to you by Pratidin Time.

Mar 19, 2025 17:42 IST
"Sunita is Extraordinary… She Will Change the World," Says Astronaut’s Cousin
Expressing sheer joy at Sunita Williams’ safe return to Earth, her cousin Dinesh Rawal on Wednesday called her a remarkable force destined to make a global impact.
"When she landed, we jumped with joy… I was overwhelmed with happiness. Until yesterday, there was an uneasiness in my heart, but God heard our prayers and brought our Suni back safely," Rawal shared. Praising her resilience, he added, "Sunita is not an ordinary person… She will change the world."



Mar 19, 2025 17:41 IST
Kharge to Sunita Williams: ‘1.4 Billion Indians Relieved and Proud of Your Return’
The Congress on Wednesday celebrated the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth, hailing her resilience as an inspiration to space enthusiasts worldwide. Williams, along with fellow NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft after a prolonged mission aboard the International Space Station.
Originally set for just eight days, Williams and Wilmore’s mission extended to over nine months due to technical failures in Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which was deemed unsafe for their return. The spacecraft itself had to return uncrewed in September last year.
In a post on X, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended his congratulations, stating, "Welcome back to Earth, Sunita Williams! On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend our warmest felicitations and heartfelt good wishes to you and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore."
He further remarked, "The safe conclusion of your extended mission has brought immense relief and joy to 1.4 billion Indians, who take great pride in your achievements."



Mar 19, 2025 17:41 IST
Mamata Banerjee Calls for Bharat Ratna for Sunita Williams
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday proposed that astronaut Sunita Williams be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, recognizing her resilience in enduring nearly nine months in space. Speaking at the Assembly, Banerjee applauded the heroic efforts of the rescue team that successfully brought Williams and her fellow astronaut back to Earth after being stranded in space for several months. "The West Bengal Assembly expresses its gratitude to the rescue team. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them and to Sunita Williams. I firmly believe she deserves the Bharat Ratna," Banerjee stated.



Mar 19, 2025 15:43 IST
Mamata Banerjee Hails Sunita Williams’ Return: ‘Profoundly Happy for India’s Daughter’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday celebrated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return to Earth, calling her the "daughter of India." Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, who were stranded in space for nearly nine months due to a spacecraft glitch, finally splashed down safely.
"Welcome back, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore! After an extended stay in space, our daughter of India returns, and we are deeply elated. Hail their courage, hail their return, hail human glory!" Banerjee wrote on X.
She also praised the rescue team, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring the astronauts’ safe homecoming.



Mar 19, 2025 13:33 IST
PM Modi and Ministers Celebrate the Homecoming of ‘India’s Daughter’ Sunita Williams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' safe return to Earth, calling her journey a testament to resilience and human spirit.
In a post on X, PM Modi warmly welcomed Crew-9 back, emphasizing the courage and determination displayed during their mission aboard the International Space Station.
"Welcome back, Crew-9! The Earth missed you. Your journey has been a true test of grit, courage, and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have once again exemplified what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering resolve in the face of the vast unknown will continue to inspire millions," he wrote.
Several ministers also joined in celebrating her return, recognizing her achievements as a proud moment for India and the world.



Mar 19, 2025 11:23 IST
"A Homecoming the World Awaited!": Sarbananda Sonowal Hails Sunita Williams' Return
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the return of astronaut Sunita Williams and Crew-9 to Earth, calling it a highly anticipated homecoming.
"A homecoming the world awaited! Welcome back to earth, Crew 9 and our very own Sunita Williams," Sonowal stated, expressing pride in her achievement.



Mar 19, 2025 11:21 IST
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Hails Sunita Williams' Return to Earth
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded astronaut Sunita Williams' return to Earth, calling it a remarkable moment of human endurance and scientific achievement.
"Take a bow! This is truly one of the high points of humanity—a superb convergence of endurance and scientific advancement. Welcome back, #SunitaWilliams," Sarma stated on his official 'X' handle, celebrating her successful mission.



Mar 19, 2025 11:06 IST
President Droupadi Murmu Hails Sunita Williams and Crew-9 Team for Their Historic Return
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the entire team behind the successful return of NASA’s Crew-9 mission to Earth. She praised India's daughter, Sunita Williams, and her fellow astronauts for their perseverance, dedication, and indomitable spirit.
"Their historic journey is a testament to determination, teamwork, and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health," President Murmu stated on 'X', celebrating their remarkable achievement.



Mar 19, 2025 10:51 IST
ISRO Welcomes Sunita Williams’ Return, Expresses Interest in Leveraging Her Space Expertise
ISRO extended a warm welcome to astronaut Sunita Williams following her safe return from an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In a post on X, ISRO hailed her resilience and dedication, calling her journey a testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration.
"Welcome back, Sunita Williams! Your safe return is a remarkable achievement that continues to inspire space enthusiasts worldwide," read the message from ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space.
Highlighting India’s ambitious space goals under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, ISRO further expressed its eagerness to collaborate with Williams, stating, "As Bharat strives towards becoming a developed nation, we look forward to utilizing your expertise in space exploration."



Mar 19, 2025 10:25 IST
‘They Need Time to Regain Strength’: Trump on Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore’s White House Visit
Following their historic return to Earth, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are expected to visit the White House once they have fully recovered from the physical toll of their extended space mission, former US President Donald Trump announced.
Speaking about their return, Trump stated, "Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will visit the White House once they have fully recovered from their mission." The two astronauts splashed down safely after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS)—far beyond their originally planned short-duration mission.
Extended space missions often result in physical challenges, including muscle and bone loss, circulatory changes, and vision impairment, requiring a long rehabilitation process. Given their prolonged stay in microgravity, Wilmore and Williams will undergo extensive medical evaluations and recovery programs before resuming public engagements.
Trump’s announcement comes as the world celebrates their safe return, with tributes pouring in from space agencies, scientists, and political leaders worldwide. Their visit to the White House is expected to honor their contributions to space exploration and scientific advancements aboard the ISS.
HERO’S WELCOME: President Trump tells @IngrahamAngle astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams will visit the White House once they regain their strength. pic.twitter.com/U6t2tRE1dQ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 19, 2025



Mar 19, 2025 10:16 IST
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's Return to Earth: What They Will Experience After Months in Space
As NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth after their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), they will face a series of challenges brought on by months in microgravity. Extended space missions impact the human body in significant ways, from bone loss to vision impairment. Here’s a glimpse into what the astronauts might experience as they return to gravity.
Read Full Story Here



Mar 19, 2025 09:57 IST
Sunita Williams Breaks Records as the Second Astronaut with the Longest Time in Space
Sunita Williams has etched her name in space history, spending an impressive 606 days beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Her 2024 Starliner mission, extended by 284 days due to technical challenges, further cemented her legacy in space exploration.
With four spaceflights under her belt, Williams has played a pivotal role in groundbreaking research and missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her remarkable contributions, especially in long-duration missions, have solidified her as one of NASA's trailblazing astronauts.



Mar 19, 2025 09:56 IST
Trump Celebrates Safe Return of NASA Astronauts, Declares ‘USA! More Winning’
US President Donald Trump proudly marked the return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who had spent over nine months in space. Taking credit for their safe return, Trump tweeted, “PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @Nasa!”
He also shared a video of the splashdown on X, celebrating with the bold caption, “USA! More winning.”



Mar 19, 2025 09:50 IST
Who Joined Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on SpaceX’s Dragon?
Alongside Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft also carried Crew-9 commander Nick Hague and mission specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov. While Crew Dragon flights typically carried four astronauts, this mission, dubbed Freedom, flew with just two to make space for the additional crew members who joined Hague and Gorbunov for the return journey.



Mar 19, 2025 09:49 IST
Factors Behind the Splashdown: Day vs. Night, and the ISS Location
The timing of a splashdown is carefully planned, taking into account factors like the location of the International Space Station, the chosen splashdown site, and optimal spacing for a safe landing. For today’s mission, the targeted splashdown is set for the Gulf of Mexico, off Florida's coast. The decision of whether the splashdown happens during the day or night depends on these critical factors.



Mar 19, 2025 09:48 IST
Legacy of Jhulasan: Deepak Pandya’s Journey to the United States in 1957
As Sunita Williams nears her long-awaited return to Earth, the residents of her ancestral village, Jhulasan, in Gujarat's Mehsana district are gearing up for a celebration worthy of Diwali. On Wednesday morning, they plan to mark the end of her nine-month space mission with joy and reverence.
The villagers have been praying for Sunita's safe return, offering special prayers and lighting an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) at the local Dola Mata temple.
Sunita's father, Deepak Pandya, originally hails from Jhulasan and moved to the United States in 1957. His daughter’s journey to the stars has not only made her a global icon but has also united her roots in Gujarat in a wave of pride and devotion.



Mar 19, 2025 09:46 IST
Madurai School Kids Pray for Sunita Williams, Dive into the World of Space Science
As the world eagerly awaited Sunita Williams' safe return to Earth, young students of Singarathoppu Corporation Middle School in Madurai took a unique approach to celebrate the moment—learning about space, astronauts, and the International Space Station (ISS) while donning masks of legendary scientists like Albert Einstein and APJ Abdul Kalam.
Excited students watched videos on spacecraft and space missions as they prayed for Williams, who, alongside Butch Wilmore, had embarked on what was meant to be a short test flight but ended up spending nine months aboard the ISS due to technical setbacks.
Teachers saw the global event as an opportunity to spark curiosity among students, integrating visual learning and interactive discussions into their lessons.
“We want our students to learn space science beyond textbooks," said headmaster Joseph Jeyaseelan, highlighting how smart classrooms were used to teach concepts about space travel and astronauts.
With Williams’ return making headlines worldwide, these young minds in Madurai found inspiration among the stars! 



Mar 19, 2025 09:45 IST
‘Daughter of India’: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunita Williams' Return
As the world eagerly awaits Sunita Williams' return from space, Union Minister Jitendra Singh hailed the NASA astronaut as a "daughter of India", emphasizing the nation's pride in her achievements.
"She has made the entire world proud," Singh said, adding that the country is praying for her safe return after nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station.
Drawing a connection to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Maha Kumbh, Singh noted the coincidence that Sunita Williams had also extended her best wishes for the grand event.
Highlighting her Indian roots in Gujarat, Singh pointed out how Indian talent is now leading major space missions globally, including at NASA.



Mar 19, 2025 09:35 IST
Sunita Williams' NASA Salary: Here's What She Earns as an Astronaut
NASA astronauts like Sunita Williams are paid according to the US government’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale, ranging from GS-13 to GS-15, based on experience and mission assignments.
GS-13 Salary: Entry-level astronauts earn between $81,216 (₹67 lakh) and $105,579 (₹87.7 lakh) per year.
GS-15 Salary: Senior astronauts, like Sunita Williams, fall under this category, earning between ₹70 lakh and ₹1.27 crore annually.
According to NASA records, Williams’ estimated annual salary is approximately $152,258 (₹1.26 crore)—a figure that reflects her years of expertise and multiple space missions.



Mar 19, 2025 09:13 IST
Kerala Will Soar Like Sunita Williams, Says Finance Minister Balagopal
Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal likened the state's resilience to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, declaring that Kerala will overcome its financial challenges just as Williams navigates obstacles in space.
Speaking during the Question Hour in the Assembly, Balagopal criticized the Centre’s financial policies, accusing it of attempting to strangle Kerala economically by slashing borrowing limits and cutting allocations. However, he asserted that the state is now on a "takeoff trajectory" thanks to coordinated efforts and inclusive financial management.
Drawing attention to similar struggles faced by non-BJP ruled states, he pointed out that even financially strong Telangana has been hit hard by the Centre’s fiscal policies.
"Like Sunita Williams, who is making her way back home despite all challenges, Kerala too will push forward with strength, undeterred by attempts to weaken it," Balagopal stated.



Mar 19, 2025 09:11 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: 'Performing Yagna for Her Safe Return,' Says Cousin in Gujarat
As NASA astronaut Sunita Williams prepares to return after nine months aboard the International Space Station, her family in Gujarat is celebrating with prayers and rituals. Her cousin Dinesh Rawal shared the family's joy, stating that special Yagna ceremonies are being performed for her safe return.
"Her mother, brother, and sister are all overjoyed. We've visited temples, prayed for her safety, and are eagerly waiting to welcome her home. She is the pride of our nation, and we will distribute sweets when she returns," Rawal said, highlighting the family's deep emotions and admiration for her achievements.



Mar 19, 2025 09:08 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: PM Modi Invites Astronaut to India, Fondly Recalls Meeting Her Late Father
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a warm invitation to Sunita Williams to visit India after her return to Earth. In a heartfelt letter, he reminisced about meeting her late father, Deepakbhai Williams, during his 2016 U.S. visit, and acknowledged the unwavering support of her mother, Bonnie Pandya. Modi assured Williams that India eagerly awaits to welcome one of its most illustrious daughters, celebrating her extraordinary achievements in space.



Mar 19, 2025 09:05 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: PM Modi Tells Astronaut—‘1.4 Billion Indians Are Proud of You’
In a heartfelt letter to Sunita Williams, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India's deep admiration for her achievements. He recalled asking about her well-being during meetings with Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, emphasizing that 1.4 billion Indians take immense pride in her resilience and perseverance. Modi lauded her latest mission, calling it yet another testament to her unwavering spirit and determination.



Mar 19, 2025 09:04 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: PM Modi’s Letter Reflects India’s Pride in Her Space Journey
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride in Sunita Williams' achievements, revealing that her name came up during a recent conversation with astronaut Mike Massimino. Inspired by their discussion, PM Modi penned a heartfelt letter to Williams, acknowledging her extraordinary contributions to space exploration and reaffirming India's admiration for her accomplishments.



Mar 19, 2025 08:48 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: PM Modi’s Heartfelt Message – ‘You May Be Miles Away, But Always Close to Our Hearts’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a touching letter to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, expressing admiration for her remarkable journey in space. In his message, PM Modi wrote, "Even though you're thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts."
His words reflect India’s deep pride in Williams, whose roots trace back to Gujarat. Her extended mission aboard the ISS has captivated space enthusiasts worldwide, and her safe return has sparked celebrations across India, especially in her ancestral village of Jhulasan.




Mar 19, 2025 08:45 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: The Real Reason Behind the Delay
NASA initially planned for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to return to Earth in February, using a SpaceX Crew Dragon as a backup for the troubled Boeing Starliner, which was deemed unsafe for their journey home. However, their return faced multiple setbacks, starting with issues in another SpaceX capsule.
As NASA decided to send the Starliner back to Earth without a crew, Williams and Wilmore officially became part of the ISS crew, tying their return to the arrival of Crew-10, the next rotation of astronauts.
The Crew-10 Delay:
NASA and SpaceX initially planned to launch Crew-10 aboard a brand-new Crew Dragon. But faulty batteries caused production delays, forcing NASA to reconsider its options. Concerned that the launch might be pushed to April, the agency swapped the new capsule for a previously flown one, expediting the mission to mid-March—a crucial move to prevent conflicts with other spacecraft arriving at the ISS.
Elon Musk, Trump, and the Political Drama:
Meanwhile, Elon Musk claimed that Donald Trump had personally asked SpaceX to bring Williams and Wilmore back “as soon as possible”. Trump even went public, saying Musk would handle their return.
However, NASA clarified that they had already been adjusting the timeline before Musk or Trump made their statements. While officials acknowledged that the political buzz added urgency to the situation, they maintained that logistical concerns—not politics—dictated the schedule changes.



Mar 19, 2025 08:43 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live: Inside the Final Moments of Crew-9’s Journey Back to Earth
Boarding: The return journey began late Monday night as the hatch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft was sealed at 11:05 p.m. ET. Over the next 40 minutes, astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov suited up, strapped into their seats, and underwent crucial leak checks to ensure a smooth departure.
Departure: Right on schedule, the Crew Dragon successfully undocked from the International Space Station, marking the official start of its journey home. While NASA ended its live video stream of the event, space enthusiasts can still tune in to real-time audio coverage of astronaut communications with mission control on YouTube.
Splashdown: The spacecraft is set to make a dramatic re-entry and splash down off Florida’s Gulf Coast at 5:57 p.m. ET on Tuesday. As the capsule bobs in the ocean, recovery teams will rush in to assist the astronauts onto a waiting ship. From there, they’ll be flown to Houston, where NASA’s Johnson Space Center awaits their long-anticipated return. For those eager to witness the final descent, video coverage of the landing kicks off at 4:45 p.m. ET.



Mar 19, 2025 08:43 IST
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Thank Elon Musk and Donald Trump After Prolonged Space Stay
Elon Musk recently shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) featuring NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, expressing their gratitude to the SpaceX CEO and former US President Donald Trump. The video, also posted by Trump on Truth Social, has added another layer to the ongoing political discourse surrounding their extended mission.
In the clip, Williams delivers a lighthearted yet meaningful message: "We are coming back before long, so don’t make those plans without me. We’ll be back before too long." Musk, clearly pleased, accompanied the post with heart and rocket emojis.
Wilmore followed up with a more formal acknowledgment, stating, "We all have the highest regard for Mr. Musk and quite obviously respect and admiration for our President of the United States, Donald Trump. We thank them, we thank all that they do for us, human spaceflight for our country, and we're grateful for the positions they hold."
Trump, seizing the moment, weighed in with his own dramatic take: "We love you, and we’re coming up to get you. You shouldn’t have been up there so long. The worst president we ever had allowed this to happen to you. I have approved Elon Musk to go and bring them home, and he is ready to do it."
The video has since sparked a flurry of reactions, with Musk’s involvement and Trump’s remarks further fueling debates over NASA’s handling of the mission. One thing is certain—Crew-9’s return has become more than just a scientific milestone; it’s now a headline-grabbing political spectacle.



Mar 19, 2025 08:39 IST
Watch: Sunita Williams’ Playful Message to Elon Musk and Donald Trump – ‘Don’t Make Plans Without Me!’
In a lighthearted yet pointed remark, astronaut Sunita Williams had a special message for Elon Musk and Donald Trump amid the political debate surrounding her extended space mission—“Don’t make plans without me!”
Williams’ comment comes as Musk and Trump criticized NASA and the Biden administration over her delayed return, claiming she was “abandoned” in space. However, Williams, known for her wit and resilience, seemed unfazed by the controversy, subtly reminding everyone that she’s very much in control of her own journey.
Her response adds a humorous twist to a heated debate, reinforcing that when it comes to space missions, she’s the one calling the shots.
❤️🚀🚀❤️
pic.twitter.com/aAkJRKsu1Q
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 16, 2025



Mar 19, 2025 08:38 IST
How Crew-9’s Return Became a Political Battleground Between Musk, Trump, and the Biden Administration
The return of NASA’s Crew-9 astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, has taken an unexpected political turn, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former US President Donald Trump accusing the Biden administration of abandoning them in space.
NASA had always planned for Williams and Wilmore to return only after Crew-10’s arrival, ensuring continuous staffing on the US-controlled section of the ISS and avoiding the costly logistics of a separate return mission. However, Musk claimed on social media that SpaceX had offered to bring the astronauts home months earlier, but the offer was rejected for “political reasons.”
A senior NASA official from the Biden administration refuted Musk’s claims, telling CNN that no such offer was ever formally communicated to NASA leadership. The official further explained that even if an offer had been made, launching a new Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket solely for their return would have been financially impractical. Musk, however, insisted that the proposal was taken directly to the White House, which allegedly refused it—though the White House typically does not handle NASA crew assignments.
When asked about the controversy, Wilmore stated he wasn’t aware of any such offer but added, “I believe him,” referring to Musk’s claims. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s director of Dragon mission management, Sarah Walker, clarified that she was not involved in the discussions Musk referenced, emphasizing that NASA routinely evaluates multiple mission options and contingency plans.
As Crew-9’s mission comes to an end, the debate over their return underscores how spaceflight—once purely a scientific endeavor—has now become a subject of political crossfire.



Mar 19, 2025 08:37 IST
Sunita Williams’ Return: Why Her Extended Stay in Space Isn’t Unusual
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s prolonged mission has been a topic of intense speculation, but they insist they were never “stranded” or “abandoned.”
Addressing the widespread narrative, Wilmore directly countered the claims in a February interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “From day one, we’ve heard words like stranded, abandoned, stuck—and we get it. But let’s shift that narrative. We were prepared and committed, no matter what you’ve been hearing,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Williams has been the subject of baseless tabloid rumors about her health and appearance. NASA has repeatedly assured that she remains in good health, dismissing concerns about weight loss.
Though their extended stay has captured global attention, history shows they are not alone—other astronauts have also experienced unexpected mission extensions.



Mar 19, 2025 08:28 IST
SpaceX Crew-9 Astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Return to Earth After 286 Days in Space
Florida witnessed a spectacular sight as SpaceX Dragon Freedom, carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, made a successful splashdown off its coast. Adding to the remarkable moment, a pod of dolphins was seen gracefully circling the floating capsule as recovery teams worked to retrieve the crew.
The SpaceX Crew-9 mission, a joint effort with NASA, concluded after Williams and Wilmore spent 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their return, which captured global attention, marked another milestone in commercial spaceflight.
Originally, Williams and Wilmore had traveled to the ISS in June 2023 on Boeing’s Starliner for a short test flight. However, due to propulsion issues, the spacecraft had to return without them. Stranded aboard the ISS, the duo was later reassigned to NASA’s Crew-9 mission, which arrived in September with a reduced team of two instead of the usual four to accommodate them.
 



Mar 18, 2025 23:31 IST
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: When & Where to Watch NASA’s Coverage
NASA's live coverage of the landing will begin at 2:15 AM IST on Wednesday across NASA+, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.



Mar 18, 2025 21:34 IST
Sunita Williams a "Daughter of India," Says Union Minister Jitendra Singh
As the world awaits the return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams from space, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has hailed her as a "daughter of India," expressing the nation's pride in her achievements. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has spent nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Speaking to ANI, Singh emphasized the pride India feels in her accomplishments and wished for her safe return.
"She (Sunita Williams), being a daughter of India, has made the entire world proud. She has successfully completed the task assigned to her. While we all pray for her safe return, we also celebrate her achievements," he said.
In a notable coincidence, Singh pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Parliament on the same day that Williams extended her best wishes for the event.
Highlighting her Indian roots in Gujarat, Singh remarked on the growing presence of Indian scientists in global space missions.
"There is a deep connection between her and India, especially Gujarat, where her roots lie. This also reflects how Indian talent is making a mark in space agencies worldwide, including NASA, where Indian-origin scientists are leading major missions," he added.