After an extraordinary nine months in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are gearing up to return home. Their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) was intended to last just eight days but was significantly prolonged due to technical issues with their original spacecraft.
The duo will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule, accompanied by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They are expected to undock from the ISS at 05:05 GMT (01:05 EDT) on Tuesday and splash down off the coast of Florida later that day at 21:57 GMT (17:57 EDT). However, the landing schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.
This mission has captured global attention, but the final leg of their journey will present challenges. The SpaceX Dragon capsule will experience a rapid and intense re-entry through the Earth’s atmosphere, where temperatures can reach up to 1600°C. As the capsule slows down, the astronauts will endure significant g-forces, approximately four times that of Earth’s gravity. Ultimately, four large parachutes will deploy, allowing for a gentle landing in the ocean.
Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut, expressed that the thrilling experience of returning will be worthwhile, stating, “They’re experienced astronauts but they will feel fantastic to be back on Earth. The fresh air is the first thing that gets you.”
The journey of Butch and Suni began in June 2024 as part of the inaugural crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, due to various technical difficulties, the capsule was deemed too risky for their return, resulting in an extended stay until a replacement ride could be arranged.
NASA subsequently opted for the next scheduled flight, a SpaceX capsule that docked with the ISS in late September. With only two seats occupied in the capsule, Butch and Suni secured spots for their long-awaited return. However, this SpaceX mission had a planned six-month duration, further prolonging the astronauts’ time in space.
The arrival of a replacement crew signaled the start of their journey home. After a brief handover with the incoming team, Butch and Suni’s mission drew to a close. Despite being described as “stranded,” the astronauts were never truly without options, as other spacecraft were always positioned at the station, ready to assist in case of emergencies.
Butch expressed that they were prepared for an extended mission, stating, “We came up prepared to stay long, even though we plan to stay short. That’s what we do in human space flight.”
Suni shared her mixed feelings about the mission’s end, saying, “I don’t want to lose that spark of inspiration when I leave, so I’m going to have to bottle it somehow.”
Recently, the mission received additional attention when SpaceX CEO Elon Musk suggested that political factors delayed the astronauts’ return. In response, NASA officials clarified that their decisions were made according to flight scheduling and the operational needs of the space station.
Garrett Reisman, a former astronaut and SpaceX director of space operations, explained why a dedicated rescue mission was not pursued, noting that the benefits would not justify the high costs involved.
Upon arrival back on Earth, the astronauts will be transported to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they will undergo medical evaluations. Long-duration space missions can lead to various health issues, such as loss of bone density, muscle atrophy, and changes in blood circulation and eyesight.
As they readapt to life on Earth, a rigorous exercise regimen will help Butch and Suni regain their physical condition. Ultimately, their first priority will be reuniting with family, friends, and pets.
Garrett Reisman mentioned the personal connections still maintained during their time in space, sharing, “Suni talked about missing sitting on the porch in her house in Maine with the dogs, and smelling the fresh air, feeling the sun on your face. It’s the basic things about life here on Earth that you miss.”
Credit: BBC News
