Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has safely returned to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members, successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida at 3:27 AM IST on March 19, 2025.
Originally planned as an eight-day mission, the crew’s stay was prolonged due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, which delayed their return. During their time in space, the team conducted over 4,500 orbits of Earth, traveling an astonishing 121 million miles.
Williams, a veteran astronaut, now holds the second-highest cumulative days in space for a U.S. astronaut, with a total of 608 days across her career. Her safe return has been celebrated globally, with leaders and space enthusiasts praising her resilience and dedication. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome, calling her journey a “moment of pride and inspiration”.
The astronauts will now undergo a 45-day rehabilitation program to recover from the physical effects of prolonged spaceflight. Williams’ return marks another milestone in human space exploration, showcasing the spirit of perseverance and innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable achievement.
