NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, is finally set to return to Earth on March 19, 2025, after spending an extended period aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Williams and Wilmore launched to space in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was expected to make a short-duration test flight. However, due to technical issues with the Starliner, their mission was prolonged far beyond the original plan. NASA and Boeing have been working on resolving these issues, but safety concerns have led NASA to use an alternative return plan.
The Starliner spacecraft encountered multiple technical challenges, including propulsion system concerns and helium leaks. These setbacks forced NASA to keep the astronauts at the ISS longer than expected. While the spacecraft remains docked at the ISS, it is not currently deemed safe for their return journey.
To ensure their safe return, NASA has decided to bring Williams and Wilmore back using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. This spacecraft has been successfully used for multiple missions and is a proven alternative for astronaut transport. The plan is to launch Crew-10 to the ISS on March 12, 2025, and after their arrival, Williams and Wilmore will board the Crew Dragon for their journey back to Earth.
Sunita Williams is one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts. With over 300 days in space across her missions, she has contributed significantly to space research and exploration. Her return will mark another major milestone in her illustrious space career.
NASA and the global space community are eagerly awaiting her return. Stay tuned for further updates on her journey back to Earth!
