Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore set for early return after extended ISS mission

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth on March 18 evening, a day ahead of schedule, thanks to favorable weather conditions off the coast of Florida. The revised return time, confirmed by NASA on March 16, follows a thorough weather assessment conducted by NASA and SpaceX officials.

The astronauts, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024, will make their return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, alongside fellow astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The crew’s splashdown is now expected at 5:57 PM ET (9:57 PM GMT, 3:27 AM IST) on March 18.

Originally slated for a return on March 19, the early landing is a result of improved weather conditions, ensuring a safer and more stable return. Williams and Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS using Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for what was intended to be a short seven-day mission. However, due to propulsion system issues and helium leaks, they were unexpectedly stranded in space for nine months, significantly extending their mission.

During their extended stay, NASA delivered additional supplies to the astronauts to support their unplanned prolonged time in orbit. NASA will broadcast the Crew Dragon’s return journey live, starting Monday evening with hatch closure preparations.