Sunita Williams set to return to earth on March 18 after nine-month stay in space

They will be accompanied by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. (Courtesy: NASA @Commercial_Crew)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore are scheduled to return to Earth on March 18 evening, a day earlier than previously planned, NASA confirmed on March 16. The revised timing comes due to favourable weather conditions off Florida’s coast.

NASA and SpaceX officials conducted a weather assessment on Sunday, concluding that optimal splashdown conditions are expected for 5:57 PM ET (9:57 pm GMT, 3:27 am IST) on March 18. The initial return plan was set for Wednesday, but advancing the schedule ensures safer landing conditions for the crew.

.@NASA will provide live coverage of Crew-9s return to Earth from the @Space_Station, beginning with @SpaceX Dragon hatch closure preparations at 10:45pm ET Monday, March 17.Splashdown is slated for approximately 5:57pm Tuesday, March 18: https://t.co/yABLg20tKXpic.twitter.com/alujSplsHm

NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) March 16, 2025

The astronauts, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, will return via a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. They will be accompanied by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

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Williams and Wilmore originally traveled to the ISS using Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for what was intended to be a brief seven-day mission. However, technical issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system and helium leaks forced NASA to send the spacecraft back to Earth without crew in September, leaving the two astronauts stranded in orbit.

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Their unexpected nine-month stay significantly exceeded the usual six-month ISS rotation period. Throughout their extended mission, NASA ensured the delivery of additional supplies, including clothing and personal items, to accommodate their prolonged time in space.

NASA plans to broadcast the Crew Dragon’s return journey live, starting Monday evening with hatch closure preparations.