In a highly anticipated return, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams departed from the International Space Station (ISS) early on March 18, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Their journey home comes after an extended stay of nearly nine months, a mission that was supposed to last just a week before technical issues arose with their original vehicle, Boeing’s Starliner.

The astronaut duo, both seasoned NASA veterans and retired U.S. Navy test pilots, joined two other astronauts in the capsule, undocking from the ISS at 1:05 AM ET—a moment celebrated with a heartfelt farewell as they embarked on a 17-hour transit back to Earth. The crew, part of NASA’s Crew-9 rotation mission, is slated for a splashdown off the Florida coast at approximately 5:57 PM ET.

Commander Nick Hague, reflecting on the mission, expressed pride in having the ISS as their temporary home: “Crew-9 is going home,” he stated, noting the collaboration involved in the international effort to advance human exploration in space.

Despite the lengthy mission, forecasted weather conditions for their return splashed down were reported to be “pristine,” providing a favorable environment for their re-entry.

Prior to their departure, the astronauts were seen on NASA's live feed, sharing laughter and camaraderie with their fellow ISS crew members. They participated in routine checks within the spacecraft, donning re-entry suits, boots, and helmets, preparing for their journey back.

Their extended stay was marked by a series of unexpected challenges, mainly stemming from issues with Boeing’s Starliner, which led to a shift in NASA's planning. Initially, the duo launched to the ISS in June 2023 for an eight-day test mission. However, problems with Starliner's propulsion system resulted in significant delays, ultimately compelling NASA to opt for SpaceX's Crew Dragon to bring them home.

This situation drew notable attention from political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who criticized the existing administration for the delay, suggesting that Captains Wilmore and Williams were "abandoned" in space for political motives. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and an influential figure, also voiced support for an expedited return.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft is currently the U.S.’s only operational orbital-class crew vehicle, casting doubt on the future of Boeing's Starliner project as NASA continues to prioritize its partnership with SpaceX for manned space missions.

Once back on Earth, the astronauts will be taken to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for health assessments before they can reunite with their families. Prolonged space travel has various physical effects, and routine checks ensure their well-being post-return.

Capt Wilmore and Capt Williams' time in space will tally an impressive 286 days—outpacing the average six-month ISS stay, though still falling short of the current U.S. record of 371 days held by astronaut Frank Rubio. Suni Williams, in particular, boasts a cumulative total of 608 days in space, making her the second most experienced female astronaut in history.

To maintain operational readiness on the ISS, the departed astronauts could not leave until their replacements—four astronauts part of the Crew-10 mission—arrived on March 14, temporarily increasing the station's population. Capt Wilmore stated earlier in the month that while the extended stay was longer than planned, it was part of NASA’s ongoing contingency preparation—an inherent aspect of human spaceflight endeavors.

Throughout their mission, the astronauts conducted scientific research and performed critical maintenance tasks aboard the ISS, which has facilitated international collaboration in space for nearly 25 years, primarily involving astronauts from the U.S. and Russia.

As Capt Williams looked ahead to returning home, she expressed excitement about reuniting with her two dogs and family, acknowledging the emotional roller coaster endured not just by herself, but her loved ones back home as well.