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

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."

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.

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

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.

"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).

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.

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!”

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

As SpaceX Crew-9 prepares for its return to Earth, live visuals from inside the Dragon Freedom capsule show the astronauts securely strapped into their seats. This is a crucial safety measure during dynamic operations, such as re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

According to NASA, the crew will soon lower the visors on their helmets, a standard procedure to ensure protection as they pass through the intense heat and pressure of atmospheric entry. The capsule is now set for the final leg of its journey back to Earth. Stay tuned for further updates.

NASA has released a timeline for the much-anticipated return of SpaceX Crew-9, detailing key events over the next few hours. The deorbit burn is scheduled to begin at 2:41 AM IST on March 19, 2025, slowing the Dragon capsule as it prepares to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The crew is expected to make a safe splashdown in the ocean at 3:27 AM IST. Following the landing, NASA officials will hold a press briefing at 5:00 AM IST to provide insights into the mission’s success and the astronauts’ condition post-splashdown. Stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com for live updates as Crew-9 completes its journey back to Earth.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have spent over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), significantly longer than the usual six-month missions. While the ISS crew follows a rigorous daily exercise routine to counteract the effects of microgravity, prolonged space travel still takes a toll on the human body.

In the absence of gravity, astronauts experience bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and altered blood circulation, which can affect overall health. Fluid shifts due to weightlessness can also impact eyesight, and prolonged exposure to space radiation poses additional risks.

Throughout their mission, astronauts undergo continuous medical monitoring, and this surveillance continues even after their return to Earth. While most of the physiological changes gradually reverse as the body re-adapts to gravity, the recovery process takes time.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission is set to return to Earth soon, with the Dragon “Freedom” capsule scheduled to perform its deorbit burn at 2:41 AM IST on March 19, 2025, followed by splashdown at 3:27 AM IST. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will be returning after an extended stay aboard the International Space Station.

Live coverage of the deorbit burn and splashdown will begin at 2:15 AM IST on NASA+. Viewers can watch the event live via NASA’s official streaming platforms. Stay connected with us for the live updates.

Reentering Earth's atmosphere is one of the most intense and challenging phases of space travel. As a spacecraft descends, it faces extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring up to 7,000 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA notes that the vehicle must endure hypersonic speeds and a dramatic deceleration before landing. From an astronaut's perspective, the view outside the window during reentry is a fiery spectacle - an unbroken wall of flames.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in July 2000, Butch Wilmore began training in August of the same year. After completing two years of rigorous training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties, including overseeing propulsion systems such as the space shuttle main engines, solid rocket motor, and external tank. He also led the astronaut support team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida, assisting with launch and landing operations.

Wilmore made his first spaceflight as a pilot on STS-129, spending over 259 hours (11 days) in space.

As part of the Plant Habitat-07 experiment, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) successfully grew red romaine lettuce in the Advanced Plant Habitat to study the effects of moisture levels on microbial communities in plants and water.

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has installed a compact workout machine called the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) on the ISS for testing.

The modular fitness device combines cycling, rowing, and resistance exercises, providing astronauts with a comprehensive workout solution during extended space missions.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has described NASA astronaut Sunita Williams as a "daughter of India", highlighting the nation's pride in her achievements as the world awaits her return from space.

Speaking to ANI, Singh expressed admiration for Williams’ contributions to space exploration, stating that India is "proud" of her and praying for her safe return.

"She (Sunita Williams), being a daughter of India, has made the entire world proud. She has successfully accomplished the task that she was assigned to. While all of us pray for her safe return, we also feel proud of her," he said.

Born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, Sunita Williams is an Indian-American NASA astronaut known for her remarkable contributions to space exploration. She is the daughter of Dr. Deepak Pandya and Bonnie Pandya, with ancestral roots in Jhulasan village, Gujarat

The ancestral village of Sunita Williams in Gujarat’s Mehsana district is preparing for grand celebrations on Wednesday morning as she returns to Earth after a nine-month stay aboard the ISS.

Residents of Jhulasan, the native village of Williams’ father, Deepak Pandya, have been fervently praying for her safe return. Special prayers and an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) have been lit at the local temple of Goddess Dola Mata, symbolizing the community’s wishes for her well-being.

According to Williams’ cousin, Navin Pandya, the villagers have planned a grand procession in her honor, complete with prayer chants and fireworks, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Diwali and Holi.

While nine months aboard the ISS is an incredible achievement, it’s not the longest space mission ever. That record belongs to Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 consecutive days (over 14 months) aboard the Mir space station in the 1990s. Missions like these provide NASA with crucial data on how long-term space travel affects the human body, paving the way for future Mars missions.

Even though astronauts exercise for hours daily in space, microgravity causes muscle atrophy and bone loss over time. Unlike on Earth, where gravity keeps muscles engaged naturally, astronauts float around effortlessly, causing their muscles to weaken. Williams and Wilmore, however, have been dedicated to a strict exercise regimen, ensuring they are as strong as possible before their return. Still, it will take weeks of rehab on Earth to fully regain their strength.

Astronauts returning from space often experience “space motion sickness”, a condition similar to seasickness or nausea on a wild amusement park ride. In the weightlessness of space, the inner ear’s balance system stops working the way it does on Earth. When gravity suddenly returns, the brain struggles to readjust, causing dizziness, nausea, and instability. That’s why Williams and Wilmore will be rolled out on stretchers—even if they feel fine.

When Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth after nine months aboard the ISS, they won’t just step out of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and wave to the cameras. Instead, NASA will carry them out on stretchers—not due to injury, but because of the physical toll of space travel. Without Earth's gravity for months, their bodies need time to readjust, and standing too soon could result in dizziness, loss of balance, or even collapse.

NASA has confirmed that the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying Sunita Williams and her team undocked successfully from the ISS at 10:35 AM ET on March 18. The next phase of live coverage will begin at 2:15 AM ET on March 19, just before the final reentry and splashdown. Mission managers continue monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe landing off Florida’s coast. NASA and SpaceX will finalize the splashdown location based on wave height, wind speeds, and overall sea conditions.

In a touching message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who is currently returning to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

"India is praying for your health and success," wrote PM Modi in his letter to Williams, acknowledging her extraordinary journey in space and her contributions to space exploration. The Prime Minister’s message comes as Williams and her Crew-9 colleagues prepare for their SpaceX Dragon capsule splashdown after a 17-hour return journey to Earth.

Williams, who has Indian roots, is widely admired in India for her remarkable achievements in space science.

The contrast between SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner couldn’t be clearer. While Boeing’s Starliner suffered major technical issues, delaying Sunita Williams’ return by nine months, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has successfully completed multiple crewed missions since 2020. SpaceX has now become NASA’s preferred partner for astronaut transport. This mission further cements SpaceX’s dominance in commercial spaceflight, proving that its technology is more reliable, cost-effective, and capable of handling critical missions.

Former US President Donald Trump criticized the delay in Sunita Williams’ return, accusing Joe Biden’s administration of abandoning the astronauts in space. His remarks increased political pressure on NASA to expedite the return timeline. NASA and SpaceX adjusted their schedule, ensuring that Williams and Wilmore returned sooner than initially planned. While NASA maintains that safety was the top priority, Trump’s comments about the stranded astronauts fueled debates over NASA’s funding, the reliability of its partners, and the future of US space missions.

Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 astronauts—Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov—are now on a 17-hour return journey to Earth. Unlike their carefully controlled docking process at the ISS, reentry will be a high-speed descent through Earth’s atmosphere. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will experience intense heat as it travels at nearly 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph) before slowing down with a series of controlled burns. Large parachutes will then deploy to stabilize the spacecraft before it splashes down safely in the Atlantic Ocean.

NASA had high hopes for Boeing’s Starliner, but technical problems forced the agency to abandon its use for astronaut return missions. The spacecraft suffered helium leaks and thruster malfunctions just as it reached the ISS, raising concerns about its safety for reentry. NASA eventually sent the Starliner back to Earth unmanned in September 2024, forcing Williams and Wilmore to remain in space. The unexpected nine-month delay has sparked questions about Boeing’s ability to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA’s live coverage of Sunita Williams’ return to Earth began with the Crew Dragon undocking at 10:35 AM ET on March 18. The next major broadcast will begin at 2:15 AM ET on March 19, as the capsule makes its final descent toward a splashdown off the coast of Florida. Viewers can tune into NASA TV, YouTube, and NASA+ for real-time updates. The 17-hour journey back to Earth will include intense reentry through Earth’s atmosphere, followed by parachute deployment to ensure a smooth ocean landing.

NASA initially sent Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner as part of a demonstration mission. However, a series of technical malfunctions, including helium leaks and thruster failures, rendered the Starliner incapable of safely bringing the astronauts back. In September 2024, NASA sent the Starliner back to Earth unmanned, leaving Williams and Wilmore to wait for an alternative ride home. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule has now stepped in to complete the mission, showcasing its reliability over Boeing’s troubled spacecraft.

After nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally heading home. The duo, who originally launched on Boeing’s Starliner in June 2024 for what was supposed to be a short mission, faced unexpected delays due to technical failures. Now, they are aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, preparing for their fiery reentry and splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. NASA is streaming the event live, with touchdown expected in the early hours of March 19, 2025.

At 10:35 a.m. IST, Tuesday, March 18, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, successfully undocked from the space-facing port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The capsule is now on its 17-hour journey back to Earth, adjusting its trajectory and preparing for atmospheric re-entry.

NASA’s live return coverage of the Crew-9 mission will resume at 2:15 a.m. IST, Wednesday, March 19, on NASA+, leading up to Dragon’s scheduled splashdown at 3:27 a.m. IST off the coast of Florida. Once the spacecraft lands in the Atlantic Ocean, recovery teams will retrieve the crew and transport them to land, marking the successful completion of their mission.

Stay tuned for real-time updates on Moneycontrol.com as we track Sunita Williams' return to Earth!

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The journey from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth isn’t instantaneous—it’s a carefully calculated 17-hour descent that involves precise maneuvers and safety protocols. Unlike conventional flights, returning from space involves multiple stages, including undocking, controlled descent, re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, parachute deployment, and a final splashdown in the ocean. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will autonomously navigate these steps, ensuring the astronauts experience a smooth ride back after months in zero gravity. For astronauts like Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, this return marks the completion of an intense yet rewarding mission aboard the ISS.

Alongside Sunita Williams, three other astronauts are making their way back to Earth after completing their mission aboard the ISS. Nick Hague, a NASA astronaut, has been a part of multiple spaceflights and has played a key role in spacewalks and maintenance activities. Butch Wilmore, another NASA veteran, was originally on Boeing’s Starliner but had his return rescheduled to SpaceX Crew-9. Aleksandr Gorbunov, representing Russia’s Roscosmos, has contributed to crucial scientific research and station operations. Together, these four astronauts have spent the past several months conducting experiments in microgravity, testing new space technologies, and maintaining the ISS for future missions.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA’s Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, has successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the beginning of its 17-hour journey back to Earth. The autonomous undocking occurred at 10:35 a.m. IST on March 18, as Dragon separated from the station’s forward-facing port on the Harmony module and slowly drifted away under controlled thruster firings. The capsule will now adjust its trajectory, conduct critical system checks, and prepare for the deorbit burn, scheduled for early Wednesday morning. As the Dragon capsule re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, it will experience intense heat before deploying parachutes for a safe splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean at 3:27 a.m. IST on March 19. This marks another milestone in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, ensuring the safe return of astronauts from the ISS using reusable spaceflight technology. Stay tuned for real-time updates on the Crew-9 return mission right here on Moneycontrol.com.

The journey from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth isn’t instantaneous—it’s a carefully calculated 17-hour descent that involves precise maneuvers and safety protocols. Unlike conventional flights, returning from space involves multiple stages, including undocking, controlled descent, re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, parachute deployment, and a final splashdown in the ocean. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will autonomously navigate these steps, ensuring the astronauts experience a smooth ride back after months in zero gravity. For astronauts like Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, this return marks the completion of an intense yet rewarding mission aboard the ISS.

Sunita Williams’ return aboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission marks yet another significant milestone in her remarkable career as an astronaut. She is one of the most experienced space travelers of Indian origin, having already spent over 321 days in space across multiple missions. Crew-9’s return is particularly special because it wasn’t part of the original plan—Williams was supposed to return aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, but NASA decided to send it back uncrewed due to technical issues. This unexpected extension meant that she was integrated into the Crew-9 mission, making this journey home one for the history books.

NASA has started its official live coverage of the Crew-9 undocking process on NASA+ and YouTube. Viewers can watch real-time footage of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as it prepares to separate from the ISS, beginning its journey back to Earth.

After successfully undocking, the Dragon spacecraft will navigate its way back through Earth’s atmosphere, targeting a safe splashdown off the coast of Florida. NASA has scheduled live coverage of the deorbit burn, entry, and landing procedures to begin at 2:15 a.m. IST on Wednesday, March 20. The spacecraft is expected to land in the ocean at around 3:27 a.m. IST, where recovery teams will be ready to retrieve the returning astronauts.

After splashdown, SpaceX’s recovery team will retrieve the Dragon spacecraft, along with the astronauts and scientific samples. The capsule will be refurbished for future missions.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore originally launched on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, but NASA decided to return Starliner uncrewed in August 2024. As a result, both astronauts were integrated into Crew-9 for their return to Earth.

The hatch between the ISS and SpaceX Dragon has been officially sealed at 8:45 a.m. IST today, marking the first major step in the return of Sunita Williams and Crew-9. With the hatch closed, the crew is now preparing for undocking as they finalize system checks inside the Dragon capsule.

Stay tuned as we bring you live updates on the return of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, including Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Aleksandr Gorbunov. The astronauts are making their way back from the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, with splashdown expected in the Atlantic Ocean.