NASA’s Crew-9 Set for Earth Return after Extended Space Stay

HOUSTON, March 17, 2025 — NASA‘s Crew-9 mission is poised for its return to Earth following an unexpected nine-month duration aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are expected to splash down off the coast of Florida on March 18, pending favorable weather conditions.

After extensive monitoring of splashdown conditions, NASA and SpaceX have targeted a return window for Crew-9. The return will begin with the closure of the Dragon spacecraft hatch at 10:45 p.m. EDT today, leading to the undocking scheduled for 1:05 a.m. EDT on March 18.

Originally, Williams and Wilmore were slated for a brief test flight aboard Boeing‘s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024, which was intended to last just over a week. However, following technical difficulties, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, the mission extended significantly, prompting the reassignment of the astronauts to the Crew-9 mission to return them home on the SpaceX Dragon.

“The updated return target allows the crew ample time to complete handover duties and ensures operational flexibility ahead of less favorable weather conditions expected later in the week,” NASA stated in an advisory.

Weather conditions are a critical factor, and ongoing assessments are guiding mission managers. NASA plans to confirm the specific splashdown location as launch preparations progress.

The timeline for significant Crew-9 events is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change):

— 10:45 p.m. EDT March 17: Hatch closure coverage begins

— 12:45 a.m. EDT March 18: Undocking coverage begins

— 1:05 a.m. EDT March 18: Undocking

— 4:45 p.m. EDT March 18: Return coverage begins

— 5:11 p.m. EDT March 18: Deorbit burn (approximate time)

— 5:57 p.m. EDT March 18: Splashdown (approximate time)

— 7:30 p.m. EDT March 18: Return-to-Earth media conference with NASA officials

NASA’s Janet Petro remarked, “Congratulations to our NASA and SpaceX teams on this successful crew rotation mission. This milestone demonstrates NASA’s commitment to advancing American leadership in space and driving growth in our national space economy.”

Prior to their return on Crew-9, both astronauts participated in numerous scientific research projects and experiments aboard the ISS. Their nine-month duration marks a significant chapter in their careers, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of long-duration space missions.

Technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner have delayed its anticipated launches, continuing to require oversight and troubleshooting to ensure future crewed missions. Meanwhile, NASA’s focus remains on the Crew-9 return, which will reaffirm its partnership with SpaceX and the ongoing commitment to advancing low Earth orbit exploration.

Reporting for further details, NASA has indicated that Crew-10 has already arrived, with a transitioning crew setup. This process allows the departure of Williams and Wilmore while maintaining operations at the ISS.

Expect real-time updates from NASA and media coverage as Crew-9 prepares for a safe return to Earth.