NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is finally returning to Earth after a nearly nine-month-long space mission. She and her colleague Butch Wilmore will land on the Florida coast on Tuesday from the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Their landing time is scheduled for 3:27 am.

On June 5, 2024, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore began their journey into space on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. According to the original plan, it was only an eight-day test mission. But their journey was prolonged due to technical glitches in the Starliner. The spacecraft became unsafe for landing due to helium leaks and problems with the propulsion system. As a result, NASA had to find an alternative route.

Due to the Starliner malfunction, the spacecraft returned to Earth without the astronauts. In this situation, NASA called on SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission to ensure the safe return of Williams and Wilmore. They were joined on this mission by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos’ Alexander Gorbunov. This alternative plan paved the way for their safe return to Earth.

During their nine-month stay in space, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore participated in more than 150 scientific experiments. They completed studies on the effects of zero gravity on the human body, plant research, and various technical tests during this time. These studies will provide important information for future long-term space missions.

The Crew-10 team stationed on the ISS assisted in their return process. They will reach Earth after a 17-hour journey aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The coordinated efforts of NASA and SpaceX played a significant role in this process.

Adjusting to Earth’s gravity after nine months in space will be a major challenge for Williams and Wilmore. But the mission will be a significant milestone not only for them but also for future space exploration.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s mission has opened up new horizons in space exploration, and their safe return will bring this chapter to a successful conclusion.