NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return to Earth Tonight After Extended ISS Mission

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have departed the International Space Station (ISS) after an unplanned nine-month mission extension. Initially slated for a brief stay, their mission was prolonged due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. They are now returning using the Dragon Capsule of SpaceX

Mission Extension Due to Technical Challenges

Williams and Wilmore launched to the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing's first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft. The mission was intended to last approximately eight days. However, propulsion issues with the Starliner led to safety concerns, preventing its scheduled return and extending their stay aboard the ISS.

Return via SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule

To facilitate their return, NASA coordinated with SpaceX to utilize the Crew Dragon capsule. The astronauts, along with fellow crew members Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, undocked from the ISS and are expected to splash down off the coast of Florida later today.

Looking Ahead

Upon return, the crew will undergo standard medical evaluations and debriefings at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The space agency will analyze the mission's challenges to improve future spacecraft reliability and mission planning.

For real-time updates on their return, follow NASA's official channels.

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