Sunita Williams' Return: When, Where and How to Watch the NASA Crew-9 Splashdown Live

Clockwise from left, are NASA astronauts Butch Wimore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov (Image Credit: NASA)

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams is set to return to Earth as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, marking another historic journey in her space career. The mission, which includes NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will conclude with a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean on March 19, 2025.

As the Crew-9 spacecraft prepares to leave the International Space Station (ISS), space enthusiasts can watch the entire event live as NASA provides full coverage of the departure, descent, and landing.

When and Where to Watch the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 Return Live?

Live Coverage Schedule (IST):

NASA+ will provide uninterrupted live streaming of Sunita Williams’ return from space. Viewers can watch the real-time broadcast on NASA’s official website, NASA’s YouTube channel, and NASA TV.

Direct Link: NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Mission Live Coverage

For those who want real-time updates, expert insights, and key mission highlights, Moneycontrol.com will be doing live coverage on the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission. We will provide the latest information on the astronauts' return, scientific experiments being brought back, and NASA’s next steps in human spaceflight.

Stay tuned to Moneycontrol.com for all the important updates and exclusive details on Sunita Williams' homecoming from space.

NASA SpaceX Crew-9 Mission FAQs

1. What is NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission?

NASA’s Crew-9 mission is a part of the Commercial Crew Program, where astronauts were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to conduct scientific research and maintenance operations.

2. Who are the astronauts returning on Crew-9?

The returning astronauts include - NASA astronauts Butch Wimore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

3. When will the Crew-9 astronauts return to Earth?

Crew-9 is set to return on March 18-19, 2025 (IST). The spacecraft will undock from the ISS on March 18 at 10:35 a.m. IST and splashdown is expected on March 19 at 3:27 a.m. IST off the coast of Florida.

4. How can I watch Sunita Williams’ return live?

NASA will provide live streaming on NASA+, NASA TV, and NASA’s YouTube channel. Additionally, we will provide real-time updates through a live blog with expert insights.

5. What is the significance of this mission?

Crew-9 has conducted important scientific experiments, space technology tests, and maintenance work on the ISS. The mission also played a crucial role in studying how microgravity affects human health and space-based manufacturing.

6. Why is Sunita Williams returning on SpaceX’s Dragon instead of Boeing’s Starliner?

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.

7. Where will the Crew-9 spacecraft land?

The SpaceX Dragon capsule will splash down in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Florida. NASA’s recovery team will then transport the astronauts safely back to land.

8. How long was Crew-9 in space?

The Crew-9 astronauts spent nearly six months aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research, space station maintenance, and technology demonstrations in microgravity.

9. What will happen to Crew-9’s Dragon spacecraft after landing?

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.

10. What’s next after Crew-9’s return?

NASA and SpaceX will prepare for the Crew-10 mission, scheduled for later in 2025, to continue ISS operations. Meanwhile, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will undergo further testing before its next crewed flight.