Sunita Williams to Return to Earth on March 18 After Unexpected Nine-Month Space Mission
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth on March 18, a day earlier than initially planned. NASA confirmed the revised schedule on March 16, citing favorable weather conditions off the coast of Florida.
Early Return for Safer Landing
Following a detailed weather assessment, NASA and SpaceX determined that the optimal splashdown window would be at 5:57 PM ET (9:57 PM GMT, 3:27 AM IST) on March 18. Originally scheduled for March 19, the return was advanced to ensure a safer landing for the astronauts.
A Journey That Lasted Longer Than Expected
Williams and Wilmore, who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024, were originally part of a short seven-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, due to technical malfunctions in Starliner’s propulsion system and helium leaks, NASA was forced to send the spacecraft back to Earth without crew in September.
This left the duo stranded at the ISS for an unexpected nine-month stay, far exceeding the usual six-month astronaut rotation. NASA ensured additional supplies, including clothing and personal essentials, to accommodate their extended mission.
Returning to Earth Aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon
The astronauts will return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. NASA has planned a live broadcast of their return journey, beginning with hatch closure preparations on Monday evening.
