A pair of US astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, are finally heading home after spending over nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). NASA announced that they will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, alongside another American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut.
Wilmore and Williams were supposed to be back much sooner. They originally arrived at the ISS in June for what was planned as a brief mission. However, a serious issue with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft—problems with its propulsion system—prevented their scheduled return. As a result, they found themselves staying far longer than the typical six-month rotation that astronauts usually complete.
NASA has adjusted the splashdown time to 5:57 PM ET on Tuesday due to favorable weather. This change allows the space station crew to finish their tasks while ensuring a safe journey home, especially since less ideal conditions are expected later in the week.
Wilmore and Williams’ stay, while extended, is still shorter than the record for a US astronaut set by Frank Rubio, who spent an incredible 371 days on the ISS in 2023. The world record is even more impressive; Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov spent 437 days aboard the Mir space station. But for Wilmore and Williams, the emotional toll has been significant. They had to rely on supply shipments for essential items, highlighting how important it is for astronauts to be fully prepared for unexpected situations.
User reactions on social media have reflected a mix of excitement and concern for their well-being. Many expressed sympathy for the astronauts being away from their families for so long. The emotional challenges faced by astronauts have been widely discussed in recent studies. Research shows that long-duration space missions can lead to feelings of isolation and stress, making mental health support crucial for crews stuck in space for extended periods.
As they wrap up their journey, spectators can view their journey back home live, starting from the hatch closure. It’s a safe bet that this return will be as thrilling as their ride to the ISS.
For more insights on the effects of long missions in space, check out this article on how astronauts feel when they return to Earth.
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