After Nine Months Stranded in Space, NASA Astronauts Finally Return to Earth in Dramatic Splashdown

After an incredible nine months stranded in space, two NASA astronauts have finally made it back to Earth in a dramatic and successful splash landing. The long-awaited return marks the end of an unexpected ordeal that lasted far longer than anyone had anticipated.

On March 18, 2025, NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams safely returned to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Their journey back home was nothing short of remarkable, following nearly 300 days stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Originally, the two veteran astronauts were launched to the ISS in June 2024 on what was supposed to be a short and routine mission—just eight days in orbit. They had traveled aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, specifically the Calypso module, for what was expected to be another step in NASA’s long line of successful missions. But shortly after they arrived, things took a turn for the worse.

A series of critical malfunctions were discovered in the Starliner’s systems. There were helium leaks, and more seriously, its thrusters failed. These issues made it far too dangerous for Wilmore and Williams to return to Earth in the same spacecraft they arrived in. With their ride home grounded, the astronauts had no choice but to remain aboard the ISS while NASA and its partners worked on a solution.

Efforts to retrieve Wilmore and Williams in the months following the breakdown didn’t pan out as hoped. Every plan was met with obstacles, prolonging their time in space far beyond the original mission timeline. What was meant to be just over a week turned into nearly 300 days.

Progress finally came when SpaceX’s Crew-10 replacements successfully docked with the ISS last Friday. Their arrival paved the way for the long-stranded Crew-9 team—Wilmore, Williams, NASA astronaut Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov—to begin their long journey home. Gorbunov and Hague had joined the stranded pair back in September 2024 to support the eventual return effort.

On Tuesday, March 18, the Crew-9 team made their descent back to Earth. At exactly 5:57 p.m. Eastern Time, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down off the Gulf Coast, near Tallahassee, Florida. NASA described the landing as “smooth” and celebrated the success, calling it a “capsule full of grins.”

As expected, there was a brief communications blackout with the crew during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. This happens during the final descent phase when intense heat and friction can temporarily disrupt signals. But soon after, the capsule’s parachutes deployed flawlessly, slowing the spacecraft as it made its final approach toward the ocean waters.

The landing was streamed live by NASA. Aerial footage captured the moment the parachutes opened and showed the Dragon capsule hitting the water gently, marking the end of the crew’s extended stay in space. Nearby, the recovery ship named “Megan” was already stationed to retrieve the crew. In an unexpected and delightful twist, a pod of dolphins was spotted swimming around the splashdown site, seemingly curious about the commotion.

Once recovery teams reached the spacecraft, they followed strict safety protocols. Specialized equipment was used to jet off the ocean’s saltwater from the exterior of the Dragon capsule before opening it. Shortly after, the hatch was opened, and the crew members emerged one by one.

First to exit was Commander Nick Hague, who smiled and waved as he was helped onto a stretcher. Though mobility aids are standard practice after prolonged periods in zero gravity, Hague appeared to be in good spirits. Following him was cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, also smiling as he exited the spacecraft.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Sunita “Suni” Williams appeared at the hatch, giving a thumbs up to the cameras and recovery teams. She was clearly in high spirits after the long and challenging mission. Finally, Barry “Butch” Wilmore emerged, equally upbeat, smiling as he was assisted out of the capsule.

After exiting the spacecraft, the crew underwent immediate medical evaluations on stretchers—standard procedure after extended stays in microgravity. Once cleared, they were prepared for transport to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. There, they will receive additional medical checks and begin their recovery process after spending so many months in orbit.

Before their return, Commander Hague expressed his thoughts on leaving the ISS. “Crew-9 is going home,” he said. “On behalf of Crew-9, it was a privilege to call space home… to live and work in cooperation for the benefit of humanity. To our colleagues and dear friends who remain on the station, we know the station is in great hands. We’re excited to see what you’re going to accomplish, and we’ll be waiting for you.”

For Wilmore and Williams, this marks the end of an extraordinary and unexpected adventure. Their return highlights not only the resilience and dedication of NASA’s astronauts but also the remarkable teamwork between international space agencies and private companies like SpaceX.

The successful recovery and landing bring closure to a mission that tested the limits of human endurance and showcased the strength of modern spaceflight technology.