'On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home' - What awaits NASA's Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore after successful splashdown off Florida coast

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have safely returned home after staying in space for nine months. SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule gently splashed down off Florida coast at 3:27 am on Wednesday amid loud cheers from the NASA, SpaceX control room.

Williams and Wilmore had left Earth in June 4 for what was an eight-day mission. The project was to test the capsule of Boeing Starliner. However, things got complicated after a technical issue was reported. For the safety of the astronauts, NASA decided to keep Williams and Wilmore at the International Space Station.

The Dragon Freedom capsule of Elon Musk’s SpaceX carrying the astronauts successfully accomplished the supersonic re-entry through the atmosphere of Earth. “On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home,” said the control room as the Dragon Freedom made what NASA called a “spectacular splashdown.”

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So, what happens next for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore? It’s a long road to recovery and acclimatisation to Earth’s atmosphere and more particularly, gravity.

The spacecraft made a splashdown in the middle of an ocean. The fast boats of SpaceX reached the capsule and conducted their safety checks. With safety harness, Dragon Freedom capsule will be lifted onto SpaceX’s recovery ship named Megan. The side hatch will be opened, allowing Sunita Williams and fellow astronaut to breath fresh air after incredible nine-month stay in space.

It will take weeks of recovery and acclimatisation for their limbs to work properly. The rehabilitation of the SpaceX crew will begin immediately. After landing, the astronaut’s will be at gym and start working with trainers. They will be also spending a lot of time in pool to regain lost strength due to weightless environment in space.