After nearly nine months on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and fellow Crew-9 astronaut Butch Wilmore are preparing for their highly anticipated return to Earth. Here’s everything you need to know about this significant event.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore is set to touch the Earth very soon
When is Sunita Williams returning to Earth?
Sunita Williams, alongside Butch Wilmore and the other members of Crew-9, is set to return on March 18, 2024 (March 19 for Indian viewers).
- ISS Departure Time: 1:05 AM EDT / 10:35 AM IST (March 18)
- Anticipated Water Landing (near Florida): 5:57 PM EDT / 3:27 AM IST (March 19, India Time)
NASA scheduled an earlier return for Crew-9, pending favorable weather and landing conditions. Initially, the return was planned for no earlier than March 19, but this timeline was advanced.
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How long has Sunita Williams spent in space?
Sunita Williams has spent almost nine months on the ISS as part of NASA’s Crew-9 mission, marking yet another impressive milestone in her illustrious career as an experienced astronaut.
SpaceX’s crucial role in the mission
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, plays a vital role in Crew-9’s safe return to Earth. The Dragon vehicle will transport the crew back home securely.
Notably, Dragon 10, carrying Crew-10 astronauts, successfully docked at the ISS on March 16, 2024. Crew-10 will now take over ISS duties.
Before departure, Sunita Williams officially transferred station command to Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, who will oversee ISS operations for the next six months.
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Who is returning with Sunita Williams?
Sunita Williams won’t be making the journey back alone. The complete Crew-9 team returning to Earth includes:
- Butch Wilmore (NASA astronaut)
- Nick Hague (NASA astronaut)
- Aleksandr Gorbunov (Russian cosmonaut)
