After spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS)—far longer than planned—NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally preparing for their journey home.
NASA has confirmed that they are scheduled to return on March 19, pending weather conditions.
#MissionExtended | #SpaceSurvivors
The duo, who arrived on Boeing’s Starliner capsule, were originally supposed to stay for just a few weeks.
However, technical glitches, including thruster failures and helium leaks, kept them stranded in orbit. Their return was delayed multiple times as engineers worked to ensure a safe landing plan.
#HomecomingSoon | #NASAConfirms
Their return was made possible after SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission successfully docked at the ISS on March 16. The new crew’s arrival allows Williams and Wilmore to finally depart and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.
"Sunita and Butch have done an incredible job managing this extended mission. Their dedication and resilience have been extraordinary," a NASA official said in a statement.
#Touchdown | #BackToEarth
Their spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast, bringing an end to their unexpectedly long journey in space.
As they prepare for re-entry on March 19, space enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting their safe return.
#NASA #SpaceX #WelcomeHome
