Sunita Williams Returns to Earth: India & US Celebrate NASA Astronauts’ Safe Landing

A Hero’s Return After an Unexpected Stay

March 19, 2025: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her Crew-9 teammates have safely returned to Earth after an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft, carrying Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebyonkin, made a successful splashdown near Tallahassee, Florida, at 5:57 PM EDT (2157 UTC).

A Rescue Mission Turned Historic

Originally, Williams and Wilmore traveled to the ISS in June 2024 for what was meant to be an eight-day test mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule. However, due to propulsion system failures, the duo was stranded in space for months. NASA and SpaceX coordinated a rescue plan, sending Hague and Grebyonkin in December 2024 as part of a carefully executed retrieval operation.

Upon landing, SpaceX Mission Control in California welcomed them back with a heartfelt message:
“On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home.”

Just an hour after their 17-hour return journey, the astronauts emerged from their scorched capsule, smiling and waving at the cameras. They were swiftly transported in reclining stretchers for routine medical evaluations.

Political Reactions & Global Celebrations

The safe return of Crew-9 didn’t go unnoticed in the political sphere. The White House credited President Trump, emphasizing that his administration played a key role in ensuring the astronauts’ rescue.
“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 @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @NASA!” the White House wrote on X.

Meanwhile, in India and the United States, Williams’ return was met with celebrations and tributes, recognizing her contributions to space exploration. ISRO and NASA hailed the mission’s success, highlighting the scientific advancements achieved during their extended stay.

A Career Marked by Resilience & Innovation

Williams, a trailblazer in space exploration, adds yet another milestone to her illustrious career. As the first crew to test Boeing’s Starliner, she and Wilmore paved the way for future commercial space travel. The faulty Starliner capsule, which left them stranded, had been sent back to Earth last September for further analysis.

With this return, Sunita Williams continues to inspire millions and solidify her legacy in the field of space exploration.