After spending over nine months in space, NASA Crew-9 astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov have safely returned to Earth. Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, ‘Freedom,’ successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida on Tuesday at 5:57 PM ET (Wednesday, 3:27 AM IST).
NASA Crew-9 Dramatic Return to Earth
During re-entry, Freedom heat shield endured extreme temperatures of around 3,000°F (1,650°C) as it passed through Earth’s atmosphere. The spacecraft then deployed its parachutes and made a smooth landing in the Atlantic Ocean, near Tallahassee.
This return was particularly crucial as Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were initially meant to return aboard Boeing’s Starliner, which developed technical issues, leaving them stranded on the ISS. NASA, with SpaceX’s assistance, devised a contingency plan to bring them back safely.
Elon Musk and Trump Blame Biden Administration for Delay
The extended delay in Crew-9 return sparked controversy, with Elon Musk and former US President Donald Trump alleging that the Biden administration delayed their return for political reasons. However, these claims were made without evidence.
Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the team, stating:
Congratulations to the @SpaceX and @NASA teams for another safe astronaut return!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 18, 2025
Thank you to @POTUS for prioritizing this mission! https://t.co/KknFDbh59s
“Congratulations to the @SpaceX and @NASA teams for another safe astronaut return! Thank you to @POTUS for prioritizing this mission.”
Trump’s camp also claimed credit for expediting the astronauts’ return, posting on X:
“PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT.”
However, NASA and SpaceX representatives did not confirm Musk’s allegations. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, emphasized that the agency explored multiple options and worked closely with SpaceX to ensure the safest return.
Post-Landing Recovery & Astronaut Rehabilitation
🔹 Freedom was hoisted onto a recovery vessel, and the crew members were carefully assisted out of the capsule. Each astronaut was greeted with applause, offering waves and thumbs-up gestures.
🔹 They will now be flown by helicopter to Houston, where they will undergo NASA’s 45-day rehabilitation program to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity.
NASA Crew-9 Mission: A Major Success for SpaceX & NASA
The successful return of Crew-9 marks another milestone for NASA and SpaceX Commercial Crew Program, strengthening their partnership in space exploration.
With SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft proving its reliability, this mission underscores the importance of private-sector collaboration in advancing human spaceflight.
Key Takeaways from Crew-9 Mission:
- Mission Duration: 9+ months aboard the ISS
- Splashdown Location: Off the coast of Florida, near Tallahassee
- Re-entry Temperature: ~3,000°F (1,650°C)
- Next Steps: 45-day rehabilitation in Houston
