Introduction
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on Wednesday from the International Space Station after nine months. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft landed on the Florida coast at 3.27 pm IST.
The Wait is Finally Over
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on Wednesday from the International Space Station after nine months. They both returned to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after the new crew arrived at the International Space Station. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft landed on the Florida coast at 3.27 pm IST. The return journey of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore was 17 hours long.
Being Medically Evaluated
Due to a sharp loss of body mass and muscle density while in space, both astronauts will have to undergo 45 days of rehabilitation to adapt to life on Earth. During the rehabilitation period, the health condition of NASA astronauts will be closely monitored.
Took Longer than NASA Planned
They were sent in June 2024 from Earth to test the Boeing Starliner capsule. Due to some technical issues, the capsule was unsafe. Therefore, they spent 9 months on the space station. While initially this mission was going to last only a week. Along with Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two more astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov also returned.
Congratulations are Being Received
On Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's return to Earth, the White House said - "Promise made, promise kept: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA!"
Elon Musk congratulates @SpaceX and @NASA says "Congratulations to the @SpaceX and @NASA teams for another safe astronaut return!"
PM Modi expressed happiness over the successful return of Sunita Williams and Crew-9. Describing it as an example of courage and human spirit, he said that this mission will inspire generations to come.
He wrote on social media platform X, "Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions.
Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career.
We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity."
India is Proud of Sunita Williams
India is feeling proud of Sunita Williams' success. According to PM Modi, her journey is not just limited to science but 'it is an amazing example of struggle, dedication and courage that will continue to inspire generations to come.'
Sudha Murthy says "A daughter has come home", as she welcomes NASA astronaut Sunita Williams.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan said "Welcome! India's daughter is pride of India... It was a great joy to see her landing. It is a matter of pride for the whole of India, NASA. All the children studying Space have a lot to learn from her."
Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma said, "I would like to give her my best wishes. We wish her good health. We are looking forward to meeting her once she comes to India. We welcome her."
The Bottom Line
This successful homecoming of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore is not just a significant achievement for NASA but for the entire global space community. The dedication and patience they displayed in challenging situations have given them hero status yet again.
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