The space explorers Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore need to to Earth after spending an extended period at the International Space Station (ISS). Nine months stretched beyond their week-long expected presence aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft because propulsion system problems detected it as unqualified for their home journey.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft completed its undocking from the ISS at 10:35 AM IST on March 18, 2025 as it departed with astronauts Williams, Wilmore, Hague and Gorbunov. The crew members will complete their 17-hour orbital flight by doing a water landing near theFlorida coastline at 3:27 AM IST on March 19.
The water landing named “splashdown” serves as the chosen return method because water provides a cushioned descent for the landing. History has marked this landing stage as the final step in one of the longest unplanned space missions ever recorded.
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Breaking Records in Space
Sunita Williams became recognized for her extended space mission by achieving the position of NASA’s second longest space dwelling astronaut as she accumulated an incredible 608 days in orbit. Peggy Whitson remains the sole space explorer who accumulated more time in space than Sunita Williams,who had 675 days. Williams set a new record of space endurance thatexceeded that of the famous astronauts Jeff Williams (534 days) Mark Vande Hei (523 days) and Scott Kelly (520 days).
Health Challenges of Extended Space Travel
The prolonged exposure to microgravity has not been without consequences. Despite maintaining rigorous exercise regimens, both Williams and Wilmore have experienced muscle atrophy and bone loss—common effects of extended space missions. Medical experts have also raised concerns about their exposure to radiation, as just one week on the ISS equals approximately one year’s radiation exposure on Earth.
Upon their return, the astronauts will need several weeks of rehabilitation to fully recover and adapt to Earth’s gravity again. Doctors have also recommended more proactive cancer screening due to their prolonged radiation exposure.
Celebrations on Two Continents
As the astronauts make their way back to Earth, celebrations are being planned both in the United States and in India. In Jhulasan, the ancestral village of Williams’ father in Gujarat, residents have organized Diwali-like festivities to welcome her return. Special prayers have been offered at the local Dola Mata Temple, and the community has lit an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) symbolizing their wishes for her safe return.
Gratitude and Reflection
Before departing the ISS, Williams and Wilmore expressed their gratitude to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump for facilitating their return. Their fellow returning astronaut Nick Hague reflected on his experience, stating, “It’s been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe.”
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As these space veterans return to Earth, they bring with them invaluable scientific data about the effects of extended stays in space on the humanbody—information that will help pave the way for future long-duration missions, including potential journeys to Mars and beyond.
The successful rescue mission marks another significant chapter in space exploration history and highlights the international cooperation that makes the space program possible.
