After spending an unexpected nine months in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally set to return home. Their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was supposed to last just eight days, but technical issues with their spacecraft caused significant delays.
The astronauts will be coming back in a SpaceX capsule alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They are scheduled to undock from the ISS at 0505 GMT (0105 EDT) on Tuesday and splash down off the coast of Florida later that day at 2157 GMT (1757 EDT). However, the landing time might change depending on the weather conditions.
This mission has captured a lot of attention, especially since it was extended due to the spacecraft they arrived in experiencing problems. Initially, Wilmore and Williams were part of the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Unfortunately, the Starliner faced several technical difficulties, making it unsafe to return the astronauts home. The Starliner eventually returned empty in early September, which left Wilmore and Williams needing a new way back to Earth.
NASA decided to use the next available SpaceX flight, which had a planned six-month mission. This meant that the astronauts had to stay longer than expected, but they made the most of their time in space. They conducted numerous experiments and even completed spacewalks, with Suni breaking the record for the most hours spent outside the ISS by a woman.
Despite being described as "stranded," Wilmore and Williams were never in any real danger. There were always other spacecraft available at the ISS that could have brought them back in case of an emergency. In the weeks leading up to their departure, Wilmore mentioned that they were prepared for a longer stay, saying, “That’s what we do in human space flight.”
As they prepare for their return, the astronauts will face a challenging re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, where temperatures can reach up to 1600°C. They will experience significant g-forces, but four parachutes will help ensure a safe landing in the ocean.
Once back on Earth, Wilmore and Williams will be taken to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for medical checks. Long missions in space can affect the body, causing muscle loss and changes in circulation. The astronauts will follow an exercise regimen to help them readjust to life on Earth.
Both astronauts have expressed excitement about returning home and seeing their families. Suni shared that she misses simple pleasures, like sitting on her porch with her dogs and feeling the sun on her face. After their long journey, the first priority for both astronauts will be to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy the fresh air.