Two astronauts have finally begun their journey back to Earth after spending more than nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams left the ISS for a 17-hour trip home, a mission that was originally intended to last just eight days.
Wilmore and Williams launched to the ISS on June 5, but their return was delayed due to a series of issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The Starliner, designed to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, faced significant problems, including multiple helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. Because of these issues, it was decided that the astronauts would be safer waiting in orbit rather than attempting an immediate return.
During their extended stay, the two U.S. Navy veterans engaged in various activities, including spacewalks and scientific experiments. They even tackled some plumbing issues on the station. Despite the challenges, both astronauts expressed enjoyment in their time in space, with Williams calling the ISS her "happy place."
The SpaceX vehicle that was supposed to bring them home arrived at the ISS in September, carrying additional crew members. Wilmore and Williams chose to remain until the new astronauts completed their mission, but their return was again postponed due to further complications with the SpaceX rocket.
Finally, with favorable weather conditions, the crew’s return was moved up a day, allowing them to splash down off the coast of Florida. The astronauts are expected to land around 10 PM GMT on Tuesday, marking the end of a remarkable mission that turned into an unexpected adventure in space.