Good news for those eagerly waiting for Sunita Williams’ return! The Indian-origin astronaut, who has been on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period, is finally coming back to Earth. Originally planned as a 10-day mission, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore ended up spending nine months in space due to technical issues. Now, NASA has set a return date for their journey home.
How Did a 10-Day Mission Turn Into a 9-Month Stay?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore arrived at the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule. The mission was intended to last just 10 days, but soon after their arrival, technical malfunctions were discovered in the capsule, including propulsion system failures and fuel leaks. Due to these issues, NASA decided that the astronauts could not return in the same capsule.
Boeing Starliner was later remotely sent back to Earth without a crew, while Sunita and Wilmore remained on the ISS to prevent disruptions to ongoing missions.
When and How Will They Return?
NASA has now finalized their return plan. In March 2025, Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and two other astronauts will return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. The Crew-10 mission launch is scheduled for March 12, 2025, and Sunita and her team will be on its return flight.
Current Situation on the ISS
Reports have raised concerns about the impact of long-duration space travel on Sunita Williams’ health. While NASA has not made any official statement, prolonged stays in space are known to affect the human body in various ways.
