NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after spending an unexpected 286 days in space. Originally meant to be an eight-day mission, the duo faced prolonged delays due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which left them stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams and Wilmore finally made their journey back aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the ocean near Florida. The mission, which initially launched on June 5 last year, concluded with a safe landing early this morning.

Splashdown near Florida

After spending 17 hours in transit back to Earth, the capsule deployed its parachute, ensuring a controlled descent before making a water landing. NASA teams were on standby to retrieve the astronauts, assisting them onto mobility aids as they adapted to Earth’s gravity.

Williams was seen waving and flashing thumbs-up signs as she emerged from the capsule, signaling a positive return despite the physical challenges posed by prolonged space travel.

SpaceX ensures safe return

The return of the astronauts was made possible through SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. The Dragon capsule, which was launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, was sent to replace Crew-9 at the ISS. The spacecraft undocked at 10:35 am (IST), with NASA sharing visuals of the departure.

From an eight-day mission to nine months in space

Williams and Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS on what was to be the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, the Starliner developed propulsion issues and was deemed unfit for the return journey. NASA reassigned them to SpaceX’s Crew-9, and in September, a Dragon capsule was sent with a two-member crew to ensure their safe return.

After multiple delays, a relief team finally arrived on Sunday, paving the way for their journey home.

Challenges faced by returning astronauts

A prolonged stay in space presents multiple health challenges. Astronauts experience muscle and bone density loss due to the lack of gravity, which can lead to long-term physical impairments. NASA estimates that for every month in space, astronauts’ weight-bearing bones lose approximately one percent of their density.

Radiation exposure is another concern, as the Earth’s atmosphere provides protection that is unavailable in space. Vision impairment and weakened muscles are also common issues faced by astronauts after extended space travel.

PM Modi acknowledges Sunita Williams’ achievements

Ahead of her return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter to Sunita Williams, praising her resilience and contribution to space exploration. The letter, dated March 1 and shared publicly by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, expressed India’s pride in Williams’ achievements.

PM Modi mentioned that he had discussed Williams’ mission with both former US President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, during his visits to the United States. “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance,” the letter read.

Williams’ return marks the end of an eventful mission filled with challenges and triumphs, further reinforcing her legacy as a seasoned space traveler.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) follow a rigorous exercise routine to counteract the lack of gravity, which affects muscles and bones. While missions usually last six months, some astronauts stay up to a year. Researchers are confident in maintaining astronaut health over this duration.

On Earth, even basic movement builds muscle and strengthens bones due to gravitational resistance. However, in orbit, astronauts rely on three exercise machines, including a resistance device installed in 2009. This device simulates free weights using vacuum tubes and flywheel cables.

A two-hour daily workout routine is essential for astronaut fitness. “The best results that we have to show that we’re being very effective is that we don’t really have a fracture problem in astronauts when they return to the ground,” said Bokhari. However, bone loss remains detectable in scans.

Balance and fluid shifts pose major concerns

Space travel disrupts balance, affecting all astronauts, even those on short missions. Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Central Florida, stated that astronauts must undergo NASA’s 45-day post-mission rehabilitation program to retrain their bodies.

Another issue is “fluid shift,” where bodily fluids move toward the head in microgravity. This can increase calcium levels in urine, raising the risk of kidney stones. Additionally, fluid shifts can lead to increased intracranial pressure, altering the shape of the eyeball and causing spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), resulting in mild-to-moderate vision impairment.

Interestingly, in some cases, SANS has led to improved vision. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, for instance, experienced a rare benefit. “When I launched, I wore glasses and contacts, but due to globe flattening, I now have 20/15 vision—most expensive corrective surgery possible. Thank you, taxpayers,” she remarked.

Managing radiation risks

Radiation exposure remains a significant concern. While the ISS passes through the Van Allen radiation belt, Earth’s magnetic field offers some protection. However, radiation levels remain higher than on Earth. NASA aims to limit astronauts’ increased lifetime cancer risk to within three percent.

Future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars will expose astronauts to even greater radiation levels. Astrophysicist Siegfried Eggl explained that while heavy materials like lead or water provide effective shielding, their vast quantity requirements make them impractical.

Space probes could offer some warning for coronal mass ejections—plasma clouds from the Sun—but cosmic radiation remains largely unpredictable.

Possible solutions: Artificial gravity and propulsion advancements

One solution to counteract health issues is artificial gravity, created by rotating spacecraft frames, which could help astronauts remain functional after extended travel. Another approach is using powerful acceleration and deceleration to simulate Earth’s gravity, reducing both the effects of microgravity and radiation exposure. However, this method requires nuclear propulsion technologies that are still under development.

Psychological challenges in space missions

Beyond physical health, maintaining team dynamics in confined environments is crucial. Joseph Keebler, a psychologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, highlighted the difficulty of long-duration space travel.

“Imagine being stuck in a van with anybody for three years: these vessels aren’t that big, there’s no privacy, there’s no backyard to go to,” he explained. “I really commend astronauts that commit to this. It’s an unfathomable job.”

Astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally on their way back to Earth after spending over nine months in space. NASA confirmed that the spacecraft carrying them successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the beginning of their return journey.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched by SpaceX atop a Falcon 9 rocket, detached from the ISS at 10:35 AM (IST). NASA also shared a video of the moment, showcasing the long-awaited departure.

Nine-month delay after Boeing Starliner failure

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS on June 5 last year aboard Boeing’s Starliner for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. However, technical issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system left them stranded in space. The capsule was deemed unfit to bring them back and was returned to Earth without a crew in September.

With uncertainty looming over their return, NASA reassigned them to SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. Unlike the usual four-member crew, SpaceX sent a Dragon spacecraft with only two astronauts to the ISS in September, ensuring the stranded crew could return.

Four astronauts onboard return mission

After multiple delays, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the ISS on Sunday. Now, with the undocking complete, the crew has begun their 17-hour journey back to Earth.

The return flight includes four astronauts: Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Their spacecraft is expected to splash down off the Florida coast at approximately 3:27 AM (IST) on Wednesday.