NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has successfully returned to Earth after spending over nine months at the International Space Station (ISS).
Their return was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but on March 18, 2025, at 5:57 PM ET (3:27 AM IST, March 19), their SpaceX Dragon Freedom capsule safely splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
Williams’ mission, initially planned for a shorter duration, was extended due to technical and scheduling delays. Her prolonged stay in space brought various physical and mental challenges, but she returned in good health and high spirits.
Upon landing, she was assisted out of the capsule along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov and NASA astronaut Nick Hague. The recovery team, aboard SpaceX’s ship MEGAN, ensured a smooth transition back to Earth’s gravity.
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ISRO, PM Modi, and Global Leaders Praise Her Journey
Following her safe return, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared a heartfelt message on social media platform X, acknowledging her resilience and the collaborative success of NASA, SpaceX, and Roscosmos.
“Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement. A testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration! Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire space enthusiasts around the world,” ISRO posted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Williams and the Crew-9 mission, stating, “The achievement of Crew-9 astronauts shows us what perseverance truly means.”
An Emotional Welcome from Family and Friends
Sunita Williams’ family, particularly her cousin Dinesh Rawal, expressed immense joy and relief. “When she returned, we jumped with joy… God has listened to our prayers and brought our Suni back safely. Sunita is not an ordinary person—she will change the world,” Rawal said in an interview.
Back in her ancestral village of Jhulasan, Gujarat, celebrations erupted as locals cheered for their beloved astronaut, who has long been a source of pride for India and the global space community.
The Physical and Mental Toll of Space Travel
During her time in orbit, Williams spoke about the unique physical and mental changes astronauts experience. She highlighted how zero gravity affects the human body—calluses disappear, nails and hair grow faster, and even wrinkles temporarily fade. However, re-adapting to Earth’s gravity can be challenging, often causing back pain and mobility issues.
Despite these challenges, Williams’ determination and dedication to space exploration remain unwavering. She has been a role model for aspiring astronauts and young scientists worldwide, proving that perseverance and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Dolphins Welcome the Returning Crew
A heartwarming moment unfolded during the capsule’s descent as pods of dolphins were spotted gathering around the SpaceX Dragon capsule near the Florida coast. The sight, described as “straight out of a movie,” was captured in viral footage and added a magical touch to the astronauts’ return.
What’s Next for Sunita Williams?
As she undergoes post-mission medical evaluations and debriefings, Williams is expected to share her insights from this extended mission. Experts believe her experience will contribute significantly to future deep-space missions, including potential manned explorations of the Moon and Mars.
For now, Sunita Williams’ triumphant return is being celebrated worldwide, marking another milestone in human space exploration.
