Sunita Williams' Return highlights: NASA astronauts return to Earth after 9 months in space

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Atishi speaks on Sunita Williams' return to Earth

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi praised Sunita Williams, saying, "After an incredible nine months in space, your bravery, dedication, and pioneering spirit inspire millions. The world celebrates your return and eagerly awaits the knowledge you bring. Welcome home!"

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Droupadi Murmu hails India's daughter Sunita Williams for her never-dying spirit

President Droupadi Murmu praised Crew-9's journey, calling it a story of determination, teamwork, and courage.

"Congratulations to the entire team for Crew-9's safe return! India's daughter Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have inspired us all with their perseverance and dedication," she wrote on X.

"I salute their resolve and wish them good health!" she added.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Anand Mahindra welcomes Sunita Williams, says it's an enormous relief to see her return safely

Industrialist Anand Mahindra called Sunita Williams' safe return an "enormous relief" and reminisced about meeting the American astronaut in Washington two years ago.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: PM Modi welcomes and praises Sunita Williams, says, 'Earth missed you'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' return to Earth, stating that the Crew-9 astronauts' achievement "demonstrates the true meaning of perseverance."

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Jhulasan villagers pray for Sunita Williams' safe return, cheer after successful splashdown

Villagers in Jhulasan, Gujarat, gathered at a temple to pray for NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return from the International Space Station. As they watched NASA’s live stream on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, cheers erupted in her ancestral village in Mehsana district, Gujarat.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Students at a Gujarat School Celebrate Astronaut Sunita Williams' Safe Return to Earth with Garba

Students of CP Gajjar High School, located in Jhulasan, the native village of astronaut Sunita Williams, performed a joyful Garba dance on Monday to celebrate her safe return to Earth.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: ISRO wishes to utilise Sunita Williams' expertise in space exploration

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return after nine months in space, stating that India hopes to utilise her expertise in space exploration.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Sunita Williams’ 9 Months in Space: A Timeline

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore have finally returned to Earth after an extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned as a 10-day mission on Boeing's Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT), their journey became one of the most unexpectedly prolonged stays in recent spaceflight history. Here’s a look at how their mission unfolded: Sunita Williams’ 9 Months in Space: A Timeline

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Sunita Williams is extraordinary and will change the world, says her cousin

After NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after nine months in space, her cousin Dinesh Rawal expressed joy, saying, "We were overjoyed when she returned. I was anxious until yesterday, but our prayers were answered. Sunita is extraordinary—she will change the world," he told ANI.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: 'Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will visit the White House', says Trump

US President Donald Trump says NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Suni Williams will visit the White House once they regain their strength.

Rajnath Singh welcomes 'India's Daughter' Sunita Williams back to earth

"Delighted at the safe return of NASA's Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space. Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud. Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on earth," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Sunita Williams' Return: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan wishes Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday praised NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore for making history and inspiring others in space exploration. He wished them good health and success in the future.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: NASA crew returns after 9 months in space

After spending nine months in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, alongside their crewmates Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, made their long-awaited return to Earth on Tuesday. Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule touched down safely in the waters off the Florida coast at 5:57 pm (2157 GMT), marking the end of a mission that grabbed global attention.

Astronaut Anne McClain Celebrates Crew-9’s Safe Return

NASA astronaut Col. Anne McClain took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her joy and excitement over the safe return of Crew-9, including Sunita Williams. “This morning we shared coffee and ‘good mornings’ with Crew-9, and tonight we are absolutely thrilled to see them safely back on Earth! Mission accomplished, Crew-9!”

India celebrates Sunita Williams' homecoming; prayers, aarti in her ancestral village in Gujarat

As NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returns to Earth after 286 days in space, her ancestral village in Gujarat celebrates with prayers, aarti, and yagna. Read how India welcomes home its daughter....Read More

NASA and SpaceX Wrap Up Press Conference on Crew-9’s Safe Return

NASA and SpaceX wrap up their post-splashdown press conference after successfully bringing Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth following an unexpected nine-month stay in space.

While Sunita and Butch did not attend the conference, NASA officials confirmed that both astronauts are doing well. However, they emphasized that readjusting to Earth’s gravity will take time, and the duo is currently undergoing medical evaluations before reuniting with their families.

The emotional return saw Sunita and Butch wave and smile as they emerged from the SpaceX Dragon capsule, which splashed down off the coast of Florida, surrounded by a pod of curious dolphins—a rare and heartwarming moment.

The duo had originally left Earth in June 2024 for a planned eight-day test mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, but technical failures made the spacecraft unsafe for return, forcing them to extend their stay on the ISS for nearly 10 months.

India Celebrates Sunita Williams' Historic Return to Earth

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science & Technology, hailed Sunita Williams’ return to Earth, calling it a moment of glory, pride, and relief for India and the world.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated: "A moment of glory, pride, and relief! The whole world comes together to celebrate the safe return of this illustrious daughter of India, who has instantly gone down in history for the courage, conviction, and consistency with which she endured the uncertainties of space."

Elon Musk Congratulates SpaceX and NASA on Crew-9’s Safe Return

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has congratulated the SpaceX and NASA teams for successfully bringing Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams, back to Earth after their 286-day mission aboard the ISS.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated: "Congratulations to the @SpaceX and @NASA teams for another safe astronaut return! Thank you to @POTUS for prioritizing this mission!"

White House Hails Crew-9’s Return, Credits SpaceX and NASA

The White House has acknowledged the successful return of Crew-9, including Sunita Williams, highlighting that President Trump fulfilled his pledge to bring the astronauts home after nine months in space.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the White House stated: "PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @NASA!"

This statement comes after SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom successfully landed in the Gulf of Mexico, completing a record-breaking 286-day mission. The Crew-9 astronauts are now undergoing post-landing medical checks before being transported back to land.

NASA Confirms Boeing Working to Fix Starliner After Malfunction Kept Crew in Space for Months

NASA has acknowledged that Boeing is actively working to resolve issues with its Starliner spacecraft, after a malfunction left Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore stranded in space for months longer than planned.

Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, expressed gratitude to Boeing for their continued efforts, emphasizing the importance of having at least two operational spacecraft for human spaceflight missions.

NASA Confirms: ‘The Crew is Doing Great’ After Splashdown

Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has assured that the Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams, are doing well after their successful splashdown off the coast of Florida.

The crew will spend some time on the recovery ship undergoing initial medical evaluations before being transported back to Houston for further checks and debriefing.

Stich also praised his team’s versatility in managing the mission’s challenges and thanked SpaceX for their quick adaptability in meeting NASA’s needs.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Conducted 900 Hours of Research in Space

NASA has revealed that Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore completed an impressive 900 hours of research and 150 scientific experiments during their 286-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

According to Joel Montalbano, Deputy Associate Administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, the Crew-9 astronauts' contributions have played a crucial role in advancing scientific research and space exploration.

Montalbano emphasized that the work done by NASA astronauts benefits not just the space community but the entire world, increasing the likelihood that NASA will achieve its goal of landing a human on Mars by the end of the decade.

NASA Begins Post-Splashdown Update on Crew-9’s Return

NASA has begun its official post-splashdown update following the successful return of SpaceX Crew-9, including Sunita Williams, off the coast of Florida. The live briefing provides key insights into the mission’s challenges and accomplishments.

Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, highlighted the complexity of the mission, stating that while these missions may appear smooth, a tremendous amount of effort and planning goes into making them successful.

Stunning Images of Sunita Williams and Crew-9’s Homecoming Moment

Witness the breathtaking homecoming of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Crew-9 after 286 days in space. Explore stunning images of their splashdown, capsule recovery, and first moments back on Earth....Read More

NASA’s 'Return-to-Earth' News Conference to Begin Soon

NASA is set to hold a "Return-to-Earth" news conference in about 20 minutes, providing insights into the Crew-9 mission and their extended stay aboard the ISS. However, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are not expected to attend in person as they continue their post-landing medical evaluations.

The press briefing will feature key officials from NASA and SpaceX, including:

Joel Montalbano – Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate

Steve Stich – Manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program

Bill Spetch – Operations Integration Manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program

Sarah Walker – Director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

Stay tuned for key updates and statements from the conference as NASA provides details on the Crew-9 return process, spacecraft performance, and future missions.

Sunita Williams returns to Earth after 286 days in space

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Crew-9 have safely returned to Earth after 286 days in space. Their mission, initially planned for 10 days, ended with a successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico on March 19, 2025....Read More

Sunita Williams’ 9 Months in Space: A Timeline

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Crew-9 have safely returned to Earth after an unexpected 9-month mission aboard the ISS. Their journey, initially planned for 10 days, ended with a successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico on March 19, 2025....Read More

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Exit Capsule After 286 Days in Space

The NASA astronaut duo, affectionately known as Butch and Suni, have officially returned to Earth, stepping out of the Dragon Freedom capsule after an incredible 286 days in space.

Sunita Williams was the first to exit, followed by Butch Wilmore, making them the last two Crew-9 astronauts to leave the spacecraft. As they emerged, both astronauts smiled and waved repeatedly at the camera, celebrating their long-awaited return.

After spending nearly 10 months in microgravity, they will now undergo medical evaluations and recovery protocols before being transported back to land. Stay tuned for further updates on their post-landing procedures.

Crew-9 Astronauts Exit Dragon Capsule, Assisted for Gravity Readjustment

The four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-9 mission have now exited the Dragon Freedom capsule, officially concluding their nine-month mission aboard the ISS.

Crew-9 commander Nick Hague was the first to step out, greeting cameras with smiles, waves, and a thumbs-up. He was followed by Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who also safely exited the spacecraft.

As part of standard post-spaceflight procedures, both astronauts were helped into stretchers to assist in their readjustment to Earth's gravity after an extended stay in microgravity. Similar stretchers await Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who will be exiting the capsule shortly.

Stay tuned for further updates as the crew undergoes medical evaluations before their return to land.

Crew-9 Commander Nick Hague First to Exit Dragon Capsule

Commander Nick Hague is the first astronaut to step out of the Dragon Freedom capsule, marking the official return of Crew-9 to Earth.

As he emerged onto the deck of the recovery ship, Hague greeted the camera with a smile, a thumbs-up, and a wave, signaling a successful and safe return after his extended mission aboard the ISS.

Welcome back to Earth, Nick! The remaining Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, will follow shortly. Stay tuned for more updates!

Crew-9 Astronauts Wave to Camera Before Exiting Capsule

As the Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams, begin to leave the Dragon Freedom capsule, a camera capturing the moment briefly peeked inside, showing the crew waving enthusiastically to those watching their return.

This marks a joyful moment as the astronauts officially conclude their nine-month mission in space. The recovery team is now assisting them out of the capsule, and they will soon undergo medical evaluations before heading back to land.

Stay tuned for first images of their exit and updates on their post-landing procedures!

Crew-9 Astronauts Step Out After 17-Hour Journey Back to Earth

After 17 hours of traveling through space inside the Dragon Freedom capsule, the Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams, have finally set foot on solid ground—or at least, the deck of the recovery vessel "Megan."

The astronauts are now exiting the capsule, marking the official end of their nine-month mission aboard the ISS. As they take their first steps after an extended stay in microgravity, they will be assisted by recovery teams before undergoing medical evaluations.

This moment brings relief and celebration as India watches one of its most celebrated astronauts, Sunita Williams, return home safely. Stay tuned for further updates on their post-landing procedures.

Crew-9 Capsule Lifted from Water, Recovery Process Continues

The Dragon Freedom capsule has now been successfully lifted out of the ocean and brought aboard the SpaceX recovery vessel, Megan—named after NASA astronaut Megan McArthur. This marks a crucial step in the post-splashdown recovery of Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 astronauts.

The recovery team is now rinsing off the capsule to remove the corrosive saltwater, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for future analysis. Next, the hatch will be opened, and the astronauts will take their first breaths of fresh air after their nine-month mission aboard the ISS.

Stay tuned for updates as the crew prepares to exit the capsule and undergo medical evaluations before their return to land.

Dolphins Join Crew-9 Recovery as Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Await Exit

As the Dragon Freedom capsule remains secured in the ocean, awaiting the moment when Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore exit, an unexpected sight has delighted viewers—a pod of dolphins swimming around the recovery vessel.

NASA commentators jokingly referred to the dolphins as an "honorary part of the recovery team," adding a lighthearted touch to the mission’s final moments. The astronauts will soon be assisted out of the capsule and taken aboard the recovery ship before their helicopter transfer back to land.

Stay tuned for further updates on their post-landing procedures.

Crew-9 Capsule Secured, Recovery Process Underway

A member of the safety team has successfully attached harnesses to the Dragon Freedom capsule, marking the next step in the recovery operation. These ropes will be used to tow the capsule towards the recovery vessel, where the astronauts will be assisted out of the spacecraft.

The process is being carried out with precision and care to ensure a smooth transition before the crew is airlifted via helicopter for medical evaluations.

NASA Official Describes Crew-9 Splashdown as ‘Spectacular’

Jaden Jennings, a NASA spokesperson aboard the SpaceX recovery vessel, shared a firsthand account of the Crew-9 splashdown, calling it "spectacular." The ship was positioned about 2.8 km (1.5 nautical miles) away from the landing site in the Gulf of Mexico, ready to retrieve the astronauts.

Jennings described spotting "a little bit of a smoke trail" as the Dragon Freedom capsule descended at high speed before deploying its parachutes for a controlled landing. She emphasized that weather conditions were ideal, with calm seas and clear skies, ensuring a smooth and successful splashdown.

With the spacecraft safely in the water, recovery teams are now preparing to assist the astronauts, bringing them aboard the ship before their helicopter transfer to land. Stay tuned for further updates on their post-landing procedures.

Stunning Return: Crew-9 Capsule Lands Under a Perfect Blue Sky

What a breathtaking sight! The Dragon Freedom capsule has made a picture-perfect splashdown under a clear blue sky, creating a spectacular scene as the Crew-9 astronauts return to Earth.

The flawless descent marks a triumphant end to their nine-month mission aboard the ISS, with stunning visuals capturing the capsule gently bobbing in the ocean after its high-speed re-entry. A beautiful day for the astronauts to come home to!

As the recovery team moves in, the world watches in awe, celebrating this successful return to Earth. Stay tuned for further updates on their post-landing procedures.

Recovery Operation Underway for Crew-9 Astronauts

The SpaceX recovery team has swiftly arrived at the Dragon Freedom capsule in their fast boats to conduct initial safety checks and retrieve the parachutes following a successful splashdown at 3:27 AM IST.

The main recovery vessel, positioned about two miles away, is now approaching the landing site to secure the spacecraft. Once it reaches the capsule, the Dragon Freedom will be lifted onto the ship, and the hatch will be opened, allowing the astronauts to breathe fresh air for the first time in months after their extended space mission.

After a thorough assessment, the four astronauts—Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Aleksandr Gorbunov—will be carefully assisted out of the capsule. Having spent over nine months in microgravity, their bodies will take time to readjust to Earth's gravity, and they will require support as they regain their mobility.

Stay tuned for further updates on their return journey.

4o

'A Capsule Full of Grins': Crew-9 Astronauts Welcomed Back to Earth

Following a successful splashdown at 3:27 AM IST, the Crew-9 astronauts were greeted warmly by the control center with the message: "Nick, Alec, Butch, Suni – on behalf of SpaceX, welcome home."

Commander Nick Hague responded enthusiastically, saying, "What a ride." As recovery teams reached the capsule, they reported seeing a "capsule full of grins, ear to ear," capturing the relief and joy of the returning astronauts after their nine-month mission aboard the ISS.

The crew is now being assisted onto the recovery ship before their helicopter transfer back to land. Stay tuned for more updates on their return journey.

Splashdown Confirmed! Crew-9 Dragon Safely Lands in the Ocean

The Dragon Freedom capsule has successfully splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida at 3:27 AM IST, marking the end of the Crew-9 mission.

In just a few minutes, the spacecraft decelerated from over 27,000 km/h (17,000 mph) to a complete stop, now bobbing in the ocean as recovery teams move in.

Next, the capsule will be retrieved by a recovery ship, and shortly after, the astronauts will board a helicopter to return to solid ground for medical checks and debriefing. Stay tuned for updates on their safe transfer back to NASA’s facilities.

Parachutes Deployed: Crew-9 Dragon slows for splashdown

The Dragon Freedom capsule has successfully deployed all four parachutes, marking the final phase of its descent. The astronauts would have felt a brief jolt as the parachutes opened, but this crucial step ensures the spacecraft slows down significantly for a controlled and gentle splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.

With the capsule now drifting toward the ocean at a reduced speed, splashdown is expected at 3:27 AM IST. Recovery teams are on standby to retrieve the crew upon landing. Stay tuned for live updates on the successful completion of the Crew-9 mission.

Crew-9 Dragon Flying Autonomously, Astronauts Monitor Re-Entry

The Dragon Freedom spacecraft is now flying autonomously, meaning the astronauts are not manually steering the capsule but are closely monitoring its descent. The capsule's advanced systems are handling the re-entry and landing process independently.

As part of the re-entry protocol, the crew has stowed their tablets and lowered the visors on their helmets for protection. They continue to track the descent via a touchscreen display in front of them, ensuring all systems are functioning as expected. The spacecraft remains on course for a safe splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico at 3:27 AM IST. Stay tuned for further updates.

Communications Blackout Begins as Crew-9 Re-Enters Earth's Atmosphere

The Dragon Freedom capsule has now entered the communications blackout phase, a routine occurrence during spacecraft re-entry. As the capsule plunges through Earth's atmosphere, superheated plasma builds up around its heat shield, reaching extreme temperatures of 1,927°C (3,500°F).

This temporary loss of signal is expected and poses no risk to the astronauts. NASA anticipates communication with the spacecraft to resume at 3:21 AM IST, once the capsule has cleared the most intense phase of re-entry. The Crew-9 astronauts remain securely strapped in as they near their final descent to Earth.

People from Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat pray for her safe return

As NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 nears its final descent, people in India are offering prayers for astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return. Williams, born in Ohio to Indian-origin parents, holds a special place in the hearts of many in the country.

At a temple in her ancestral village of Jhulasan, Gujarat, about 50 km from Ahmedabad, residents have gathered to light incense, display photos, and pray for the successful landing of the Dragon Freedom capsule. The emotional outpouring reflects India's deep connection with Williams, who has long been celebrated as an inspiration for aspiring astronauts.

With the capsule set to splash down at 3:27 AM IST, prayers and well wishes continue for the crew’s safe and smooth return to Earth.

Final Phase Begins: Crew-9 Dragon Closes Nose Cone, Prepares for Re-Entry

The Dragon Freedom capsule has now closed its nose cone, marking the final structural change before re-entry. According to NASA, this signals that things will now move quickly, as the spacecraft prepares to endure intense heat and pressure while descending through Earth’s atmosphere.

As expected, a brief communication blackout is imminent, during which contact with the capsule will be lost for a few minutes. This occurs due to the extreme temperatures surrounding the spacecraft during re-entry. Stay tuned for further updates as Crew-9 nears splashdown.

Sunita Williams' Return Live: Dragon Freedom Locks Nosecone, Final Descent Underway

SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom capsule has successfully locked its nosecone as it continues its descent towards Earth. The spacecraft will pass over southern Mexico and Central America before making a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida.

A brief loss of communication is expected at 3:14 AM IST, as the capsule experiences intense re-entry conditions. The crew remains secure as they approach the final moments of their journey. Stay tuned for updates on their safe landing.

Sunita Williams and Crew-9 Astronauts to Be Airlifted After Splashdown

Once the Dragon Freedom capsule is successfully recovered from the ocean, the Crew-9 astronauts will be airlifted by helicopter to return to solid ground. The team will be transported from the recovery ship to the shore for post-landing medical checks and mission debriefing.

For the helicopter operation to proceed smoothly, wind speeds must remain below 16 km/h (10 mph), and the sea conditions need to be relatively calm. The recovery teams are closely monitoring the weather to ensure a safe and efficient extraction of the astronauts. Stay tuned for further updates on their return.

Crew-9’s Return Path: Final Journey Back to Earth

NASA has released the projected re-entry path of the Crew-9 Dragon Freedom spacecraft as it descends towards Earth. The capsule will fly over Mexico before heading towards its designated splashdown site off the coast of Florida.

With less than 40 minutes remaining until the scheduled splashdown at 3:27 AM IST, the astronauts are now in the final phase of their return journey. Stay tuned for live updates on their safe landing.

Ideal Weather Conditions for Crew-9 Splashdown

NASA has confirmed that weather conditions are perfect for the Crew-9 Dragon Freedom splashdown off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. The landing is set to occur during daylight hours, ensuring clear visibility for recovery teams.

According to the National Weather Service, the current temperature in Tallahassee is 27°C (80°F), with humidity at 10% and southerly winds at 5 km/h (3 mph). Visibility is excellent at 16 km (10 miles), and there is no rain expected until Wednesday night, making for a smooth and safe descent.

With these favorable conditions, the Crew-9 mission is on track for a successful return to Earth. Stay tuned for live coverage of the splashdown!

Crew-9 Begins Final Descent: Dragon Freedom Leaves Orbit for Earth

SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft, Freedom, has successfully jettisoned its trunk service module and fired its thrusters to initiate re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The deorbit burn began at 2:41 AM IST on March 19, 2025, and lasted approximately 7.5 minutes as the capsule slowed down for its descent.

The astronauts onboard will now hit the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, with their spacecraft’s heatshield protecting them from extreme reentry temperatures, which can exceed 1,650°C (3,000°F). This marks the final critical phase before their scheduled splashdown at 3:27 AM IST. Stay tuned for live updates on their return.