NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are expected to return to earth soon. The entire world has been praying for their safe return. The astronaut duo were stranded on the International Space Station for nine months after the Starliner they went in developed technical faults and had to return to earth without them.


This space mission is going to be a remarkable subject of study for college and school students in the years to come. Here are a few points every kid must know about the astronauts and the mission undertaken to bring them back.


The mission had started on June 5
Originally slated as an eight-day test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, beginning on June 5, the mission extended to nearly nine months due to technical issues. Shortly after docking with the ISS, engineers identified helium leaks in the propulsion system and thruster malfunctions, compromising the spacecraft's maneuverability and delaying its return capability.

Astronauts were engaged in 900 hours of research and developmentDespite the unexpected extension, Williams and Wilmore adapted by engaging in over 150 scientific experiments, contributing valuable data to ongoing research. During their extended stay, the astronauts conducted experiments ranging from microgravity's effects on biological systems to technological demonstrations, contributing to the broader understanding of long-duration spaceflight.

The astronauts tested the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), a compact, modular system combining cycling, rowing, and resistance exercises to maintain crew health on long missions. NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore installed the device aboard the ISS for evaluation, aiming to counter bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular decline.

They grew red romaine lettuce to show how less-than-ideal conditions affect plant growth and help scientists design systems to produce safe and nutritious food for crew members on future space journeys.

They also studied microbes in space which could help scientists understand the impact of these microorganisms and what steps can be taken to limit microbial spread to places like the Moon and Mars.

Throughout their mission, both astronauts engaged with the public via live events and educational outreach, inspiring future generations of explorers.

The astronauts maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude in space missions. Williams humorously noted concerns about her dogs adapting to her prolonged absence.


NASA's Crew-10 mission, comprising astronauts from NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos, successfully docked with the ISS to facilitate the crew exchange, ensuring the station's continuous operation.

The mission which was supposed to end in June 2024, will now be over on March 18 with the return of the astronauts. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.

The splashdown time is approximately 5.57pm. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are scheduled to return to Earth on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down off the Florida coast at approximately 5:57 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), which corresponds to 3:27 a.m. India Standard Time (IST) on March 19.