NASA Astronauts After Nine Months in Orbit Prepare for Journey Home

After spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are gearing up for their long-anticipated descent back to Earth. Initially, their mission was slated for a few weeks, but technical troubles with Boeing’s Starliner capsule and subsequent delays in scheduling forced an unexpected extension. With a SpaceX Dragon vehicle now ready to bring them back, both astronauts are nearing reunion with their loved ones—and in Williams’ case, her cherished Labrador retrievers.

Extending Beyond Expectations

Wilmore and Williams embarked on their journey in June 2024, flying aboard Boeing’s Starliner on its first crewed test flight after lengthy development issues. Shortly after launch, the spacecraft encountered critical malfunctions, leading NASA to declare it unsafe for crew return. Consequently, the capsule returned to Earth empty, while the astronauts remained aboard the ISS awaiting a secure means of getting home.

As detailed in NASA’s official Space Station blog, Wilmore and Williams stayed actively involved in station duties during their extended stay. They engaged in scientific experiments, performed maintenance tasks, and contributed to ongoing human spaceflight research focused on enhancing long-duration mission outcomes. Their efforts have deepened understanding of human adaptation to microgravity, vital for NASA’s future expeditions to the Moon and Mars.

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Additional delays emerged due to scheduling shifts for incoming crews. Originally, a brand-new SpaceX Dragon capsule was designated to deliver fresh ISS astronauts and bring Wilmore and Williams home. However, production setbacks led NASA to opt for a previously flown Dragon capsule, expediting their return.

Maintaining Focus Amid Uncertainty

Despite the prolonged mission, Wilmore and Williams stayed dedicated to their responsibilities aboard the ISS. They completed a spacewalk in January, continued crucial research projects, and adapted to an unpredictable return timeline.

Williams highlighted the emotional challenges faced by their families but stressed that life aboard the station remained engaging and fulfilling for the astronauts. “It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us,” she shared. “We’re here. We have a mission. We’re just doing what we do every day, and every day is interesting because we’re up in space, and it’s a lot of fun.”

NASA officials confirmed that both astronauts’ health and safety have always been safeguarded. Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains with prior spaceflight experience, have earned praise for their resilience and composure during the extended mission.

Crew departure preps, cargo ops, and human research activities kept the Exp 72 busy on Tuesday. Three @NASA_Astronauts also talked to journalists on Earth.https://t.co/REzGOvzsN2

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 4, 2025

Journey Home on a SpaceX Dragon Capsule

The countdown for Wilmore and Williams’ return has now begun. Their replacements are scheduled to arrive at the ISS on March 12. Once the new crew is aboard, the two astronauts will board a SpaceX Dragon capsule for the trip back to Earth, accompanied by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov.

Since their return on a SpaceX vehicle was unexpected, they will wear standard SpaceX flight suits without personalized name tags. Wilmore humorously mentioned possibly writing his name on his suit with a pen. Meanwhile, Williams is simply looking forward to Earth—and to welcoming her dogs once again.