Sunita Williams to undock from Space Station today, return home after nine months

Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, marking the end of an extraordinary nine-month journey in space.

Their mission, initially planned as a brief eight-day test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, was extended due to unforeseen technical issues with their vehicle.

Williams is returning aboard SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with Willmore and two other Crew-9 members.

AN EXTENDED MISSION

The astronauts have been on the ISS since June last year, following the maiden crewed mission of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which encountered technical issues and was deemed unfit for their return journey.

The Starliner’s propulsion problems necessitated an alternative plan, leading to their inclusion in the Crew-9 mission.

A BRIEF TIMELINE

• June 2024: Williams and Wilmore launched on June 5, 2024, with plans for a short stay at the ISS. However, shortly after arrival, engineers detected helium leaks and propulsion system malfunctions in the Starliner, rendering it unsafe for their return.
• August 2024: Nasa acknowledged the delay and began planning an alternative return via a SpaceX mission scheduled for early 2025.
• September 2024: The Starliner returned to Earth without the astronauts, freeing up the docking port for other spacecraft. This decision was made to ensure the ISS’s operational efficiency while awaiting a safe return option for Williams and Wilmore.

PROLONGED STAY AND NEW RETURN PLAN

The astronauts adapted to their extended stay by engaging in over 150 scientific experiments, contributing significantly to ongoing research in space.

They were eventually included in the SpaceX Crew-9 mission for their return journey.

The Crew-10 mission, which docked at the ISS on March 17, facilitated the crew exchange necessary for Williams and Wilmore’s departure.

RETURN JOURNEY

Williams and Wilmore will board the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, accompanied by astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The four astronauts will splash down off the coast of Florida at 3:27 a.m. IST on March 19, after a 17-hour journey, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.

This marks a significant milestone in their journey, as they prepare to face the challenges of readjusting to Earth’s gravity after nearly nine months in space