Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams landed on Tuesday after the SpaceX Crew Dragon splashed down off Florida’s Gulf Coast. This marked the end of their 286-day mission, which began on June 5, 2024, when they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner. Various issues extended their trip from what should have been days to months. The return of these Starliner astronauts signifies a significant milestone.
The duo undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 1:05 a.m. EDT on Tuesday. Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov joined them. After 17 hours, they splashed in the water at 5:57 p.m. EDT. “Splashdown!” Hague radioed to SpaceX. The parachutes deployed perfectly, and a recovery ship pulled them aboard. Williams and Wilmore were the last to step out, grinning from ear to ear.
Splashdown confirmed! #Crew9 is now back on Earth in their @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. pic.twitter.com/G5tVyqFbAu
— NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025Why the Long Stay?
Starliner’s test flight encountered significant problems, including helium leaks and thruster issues, leading NASA to abandon the planned return. Crew-9 launched in September with only two seats filled; Wilmore and Williams were part of this mission. Crew-10 arrived on Sunday, which reduced the handover period to just one day. This accelerated the return of the Starliner astronauts by several weeks.
We're getting our first look at #Crew9 since their return to Earth! Recovery teams will now help the crew out of Dragon, a standard process for all crew members after returning from long-duration missions. pic.twitter.com/yD2KVUHSuq
— NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025Their 286 days rank sixth for NASA’s longest missions. Frank Rubio holds the U.S. record at 371 days. Williams now totals 608 days in space, second only to Peggy Whitson. Wilmore hits 464 days. “They showed grit,” said NASA’s Steve Stich. Exercise kept them fit. Rehab awaits as gravity kicks in.
Read: Astronauts Wilmore and Williams Set to Leave ISS After 9 Months
President Trump claimed credit. “Biden abandoned them,” he posted Monday on Truth Social. He praised Elon Musk and SpaceX. NASA stuck to its Crew-9 plan, which was not a special rescue. Musk echoed Trump, offering no proof. NASA’s Joel Montalbano sidestepped the noise. “We work for the president,” he said.
