By Sheetal Kumari | March 19, 2025
After 286 days in space, Sunita Williams steps out of Dragon Freedom, smiling and waving, celebrating her return to Earth.
(Image: NASA)
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon Freedom capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico at 3:27 AM IST on March 19, 2025, after a 9-month ISS mission.
(Image: NASA)
The Dragon Freedom capsule lands in the ocean, ending its high-speed descent as waves ripple from the impact point.
(Image: NASA)
Recovery teams fasten safety harnesses to the capsule, preparing it for secure towing to the retrieval vessel for the next phase of post-landing operations.
(Image: NASA)
SpaceX vessel “Megan” lifts Dragon capsule from the ocean, marking another successful human spaceflight return for NASA and SpaceX.
(Image: NASA)
A rare glimpse of Crew-9 inside Dragon Freedom moments before the hatch opens, taking their first breath of fresh air after months in microgravity.
(Image: NASA)
A stunning sight as four massive parachutes open, slowing Dragon Freedom for a smooth ocean landing.
(Image: NASA)
NASA’s Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore pose together after safely splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico.
(Image: NASA)
Sunita Williams became the third astronaut to step out, greeted with cheers and applause from the recovery team.
(Image: NASA)
Commander Butch Wilmore exits last, smiling for the camera, marking the end of his extended mission aboard the International Space Station.
(Image: NASA)