NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth on Tuesday (March 18, 2025), splashing down safely in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of America.
The other astronauts to return to Earth were Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and its crew. After returning to shore, the crew will fly to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and reunite with their families.
“We are thrilled to have Suni, Butch, Nick, and Aleksandr home after their months-long mission conducting vital science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance aboard the International Space Station,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro.
Wilmore and Williams have been on the International Space Station since June after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they were testing on its maiden crewed voyage suffered propulsion issues and was deemed unfit to fly them back to Earth.
The duo ended up spending 286 days in space — 278 days longer than anticipated when they launched. They circled Earth 4,576 times and traveled 195 million kilometers by the time of splashdown.
Hague has logged 374 days in space over his two missions, Williams has logged 608 days in space over her three flights, and Wilmore has logged 464 days in space over his three flights.
Throughout its mission, Crew-9 contributed to a host of science and maintenance activities and technology demonstrations.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk congratulated SpaceX and NASA teams for “another safe astronaut return.”
Earlier in January, Musk said that President Trump had asked him to facilitate the return of the two Boeing Starliner astronauts, who have been on the space station since June 2024, as soon as possible.
Indian PM praises 'inspirational fortitude, perseverance'
Meanwhile, ahead of her return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to Williams, wishing her safe return and good health.
In the letter dated March 1, PM Modi said, “When I met President Trump or President Biden during my visits to the United States, I inquired about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.”
“Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission,” he wrote.
