NASA Astronauts Return to Earth After 9 Months in Space

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams safely returned to Earth on Tuesday after spending nine months in space. They landed in the ocean near Florida in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

Mission Delayed Due to Starliner Issues

Wilmore and Williams launched in June 2024 on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for an eight-day mission. However, problems with the Starliner’s engine delayed their return. NASA eventually decided to bring them back using SpaceX’s spacecraft instead.

Smooth Landing After 17-Hour Journey

On Tuesday morning, the astronauts, along with two other crew members, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back to Earth lasted 17 hours. As they re-entered the atmosphere, their capsule slowed down from 17,000 mph (27,359 kph) using a heatshield and parachutes. They splashed down safely about 50 miles off Florida’s Gulf Coast at 5:57 p.m.

Astronauts Celebrate Safe Return

NASA astronaut Nick Hague, inside the capsule, described the moment: “What a ride! I see a capsule full of smiles.”

NASA quickly transported the astronauts to the Johnson Space Center in Houston.