LIVE: Splashdown: Global cheer as Sunita Williams and crew back on Earth
The four-member crew, including Sunita Williams, on board the SpaceX capsule, splashed down at 3.27 am IST Wednesday
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have made a safe return to Earth following their mission on the International Space Station (ISS). They travelled back aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which smoothly re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and landed in the waters off the coast of Florida, near Tallahassee. The milestone event unfolded at 3:27 am on Wednesday (March 19).
Williams and fellow NASA astronaut, Butch Wilmore, finally undocked from the ISS and left for Earth on board a SpaceX capsule at 10.35 am (IST) on Tuesday to close out a dramatic marathon mission that began with a bungled Boeing test flight more than nine months ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Williams, inviting her to visit India. The letter, written on March 1, was sent through former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino.
‘Stuck at work’
Williams and Wilmore travelled to the ISS in June last year for a scheduled eight-day mission. However, they were forced to stay back as the Boeing Starliner capsule developed issues with its propulsion system.
The duo spent 286 days on the ISS, where they conducted over 4,500 orbits and travelled more than 121 million statute miles, NASA said in its commentary.
Their plight captured the world’s attention, giving new meaning to the phrase “stuck at work”. While other astronauts had logged longer spaceflights over the decades, none had to deal with so much uncertainty or see the length of their mission expand by so much.
With 62 hours over nine spacewalks, Williams set a new record: the most time spent spacewalking over a career among female astronauts.
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Live Updates
- 19 March 2025 7:13 AM
Sunita Williams, fellow astronauts inspired all: Prez Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday congratulated the entire team behind the safe return of "India's daughter" Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts to Earth, saying they have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit.
"Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!," Murmu said in a post on X.
Stuck in space for over nine months, NASA astronauts Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on Tuesday. The duo ended up spending 286 days in space -- 278 days longer than anticipated when they launched.
"Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA's Crew 9 mission on Earth! India's daughter Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit," Murmu said.
- 19 March 2025 6:27 AM
Astronauts' return 'high points' of humanity: Assam CM
Welcoming NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams back to earth, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday termed the journey of them as the 'high points' of humanity.
After being stranded in space for months, the two US astronauts returned to Earth, completing their journey home to wrap up a saga that started with a failed test flight over nine months ago.
"Take a bow - this is indeed one of the high points of humanity, a superfine convergence of endurance and scientific advancement. Welcome back #SunitaWilliams," Sarma said in a post on X.
Williams has an India link. The former US Navy captain, Williams, 59, was born to Gujarati father Deepak Pandya hailing from Mehsana district and Slovenian mother Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, in 1965 in Ohio.
Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said that the safe return of Wilmore and Williams aboard the SpaceX capsule brings immense joy to each and every person.
"Their journey reflects human perseverance and scientific excellence," he added.
- 19 March 2025 6:10 AM
Chiranjeevi, R Madhavan and others hail Sunita Williams' return to Earth
"Welcome back home", actors Chiranjeevi and R Madhavan said on Wednesday as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after a nine-month space exploration mission.
In a post on social media platform X, Chiranjeevi hailed the duo's return to Earth as both "historic" and "heroic".
"WELCOME BACK TO EARTH. Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore!! HISTORIC & HEROIC ‘HOME’ COMING!!! Went for 8 Days to Space & Returned after 286 Days, after an Astonishing 4577 orbits around earth ! "Your Story is Unmatchably Dramatic, Utterly Nerve - Wracking , Unbelievably Nail Baiting Thriller & The Greatest Adventure Ever. A True Blue Blockbuster!! More Power To You!!! @Astro_Suni. Kudos to #SpaceXDragon #Crew9 for bringing them back ! #SunitaWilliams (sic)," he wrote.
Madhavan shared a video of Williams coming out of the SpaceX capsule and said the prayers of the whole world have been answered.
"Welcome back to Earth our Dear Dear Sunita Williams. #sunitawilliams ..Our prayers have been answered... so wonderful to see you safe and smiling. After more than 260 uncertain days in space this is all Gods grace and millions of praying souls prayers being answered .. Great Job all at #spacexfalcon9 #nasa AND the entire crew. God bless you," he said.
Actor and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar said that she has always admired women like Williams.
"Moments like these define humanity! While we make attempts to advance our research and technology, our resilience during difficult times defines us... Welcome back!!" she wrote on X.
"#splashdown," wrote actor Trisha Krishan on her Instagram Stories. PTI
