NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Set to Return to Earth Soon After Extended ISS Mission

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, are preparing for their long-awaited return to Earth. Their return was initially delayed due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, leading to an extended mission duration.

The astronauts are expected to return aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, which has been docked at the ISS since September 2024. The Crew-10 mission, originally scheduled for March 12, 2025, has been rescheduled to no earlier than 7:03 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 14, due to a hydraulic system issue on the ground support equipment of the Falcon 9 rocket.

Upon the successful arrival of the Crew-10 mission, Williams and Wilmore, along with their colleagues, will commence preparations for their journey back to Earth. Their return is anticipated to occur within a few weeks following the Crew-10 docking, marking the conclusion of their extended stay aboard the ISS.

Throughout their prolonged mission, both astronauts have remained committed to their duties, contributing to various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS. Williams, a veteran astronaut, has previously held the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman and has participated in multiple spacewalks.

The upcoming Crew-10 mission will transport new crew members to the ISS, enabling Williams and Wilmore to return home after a brief handover period. This mission underscores the collaborative efforts between NASA and SpaceX in ensuring the safety and success of crewed space missions.