NASA Astronauts Splashdown to Earth after Nine Months stuck in space….
Sajib Manandhar (Secondary Section)
Department of science, Nepal Police School
After an unexpected nine-month stay in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have finally returned to Earth, concluding a mission that captivated global attention and sparked political debate. Their journey, which was initially planned to last only eight days, extended into nearly 300 days due to technical issues, making it one of the most talked-about space missions in recent history.
A Dramatic Return to Earth
On Tuesday,18th march 2025, the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Freedom, successfully re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore, Sunita Williams, fellow American Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The spacecraft endured scorching temperatures of up to 2,000°C before deploying parachutes and making a smooth splashdown off the coast of Florida at 5:57 PM EDT (2157 GMT).
The landing was met with cheers from ground teams, and a fleet of fast boats rushed toward the capsule for safety checks. In a heartwarming moment, a pod of dolphins playfully swam around the spacecraft as recovery teams worked swiftly to extract the astronauts. One by one, the crew members were helped out of the capsule, smiling and flashing thumbs-up gestures, signaling their safe return.
They are now set to undergo physical rehabilitation in Houston, where they will reunite with their families in a few days. The extended time in microgravity can cause muscle and bone loss, vision problems, and balance issues, necessitating a structured rehabilitation program to regain full physical strength.
The Unexpected Nine-Month Stay: What Went Wrong?
Wilmore and Williams, both experienced NASA astronauts and former Navy pilots, launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, 2024, as part of a mission to test the spacecraft’s capabilities. The plan was for them to return by June 14, 2024, after an eight-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS). However, unexpected technical issues turned their mission into a prolonged and challenging adventure.
Starliner’s Technical Issues
Shortly after docking at the ISS, Starliner’s propulsion system developed helium leaks, which compromised its ability to safely return the astronauts to Earth. NASA engineers initially attempted to troubleshoot the issue remotely, delaying their return multiple times—first to June 18, then June 26, and beyond.
By August 2024, it became evident that Starliner was unfit for crewed return. NASA made the difficult decision to send the spacecraft back to Earth unmanned, where it landed safely in New Mexico on September 7, 2024. Meanwhile, Wilmore and Williams had to remain at the ISS until an alternative plan was devised.
NASA’s Backup Plan: Joining the Crew-9 Mission
With Starliner grounded, NASA reassigned Wilmore and Williams to SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, which launched in September 2024 with a reduced crew of two instead of the usual four, to accommodate the stranded astronauts.
While they could have returned to Earth sooner, NASA chose to keep them at the ISS to maintain the station’s operational efficiency until the arrival of Crew-10 in March 2025. This decision was made to prevent staffing shortages and ensure ongoing scientific research and maintenance tasks were not disrupted.
Were the Astronauts Really ‘Stranded’?
The extended mission led to a wave of controversy and political debate. Many, including Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, claimed that the astronauts had been "stranded" in space due to NASA’s mismanagement under the Biden administration.
However, NASA firmly denied these allegations. Agency officials, along with the astronauts themselves, emphasized that they were never in danger and always had access to a fully operational SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, docked at the ISS since September 2023, capable of returning them home in case of an emergency.
The Science Behind Long-Duration Spaceflight
Spending nine months in space poses unique physiological and psychological challenges. Typically, ISS crew members stay for six months before rotating out, but Wilmore and Williams’ 286-day stay was one of the longest by an American crew.
NASA scientists will closely monitor their health and cognitive functions to assess the long-term effects of extended space missions, as this data will be crucial for future Mars missions and deep-space exploration.
Some common effects of prolonged space travel include:
Muscle atrophy and bone density loss due to lack of gravity.
Changes in vision caused by fluid shifts in the body.
Psychological strain from isolation and extended confinement.
Radiation exposure that may increase long-term health risks.
What’s Next for Wilmore and Williams?
After their return, the astronauts will:
Undergo medical evaluations and a structured rehabilitation program in Houston.
Debrief NASA scientists on their prolonged stay and share their experiences.
Possibly participate in further research on long-duration spaceflight.
With NASA planning future Moon and Mars missions, the lessons learned from this extended mission will be instrumental in shaping the future of space travel. For now, the world celebrates the safe return of these dedicated astronauts, who have demonstrated incredible patience, strength, and professionalism in the face of uncertainty.
Reference:-
- NASA astronauts return home after more than nine months in space | CNN
- NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth After nine-month Space Mission
Vidoe link :- NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Re-Entry and Splashdown
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