After a lengthy and unexpected stay at the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally on their way back to Earth. This marked the conclusion of a dramatic mission that began in June 2025, during which time the duo faced a series of setbacks that turned their brief journey into an extended adventure.
Theirs was a return that had been eagerly anticipated not just by themselves, but by their families and the extended aerospace community. After over nine months in space, they departed the ISS aboard a SpaceX capsule early Tuesday, in the company of two fellow astronauts. The capsule was set to splash down off the coast of Florida later in the day, depending on the weather.
Originally, Wilmore and Williams expected their mission to last just about a week after launching on Boeing’s Starliner crew vehicle. However, a series of mishaps delayed their journey significantly, leading NASA to pivot and transfer the astronauts to a SpaceX capsule. Complications with the initial capsule further pushed back their return, resulting in a stay that extended well beyond their initial timeline.
“We’ll miss you, but have a great journey home,” came the heartfelt words from NASA’s Anne McClain as their capsule slowly pulled away from the ISS, hovering over the Pacific at an altitude of 260 miles (418 kilometers).
Throughout their time in orbit, the astronauts turned challenges into opportunities. They conducted vital experiments, repaired equipment, and even engaged in spacewalks together. Williams broke records with a total of 62 hours over nine spacewalks, making her the female astronaut with the most time spent outside in spacewalks.
Despite living in a pressurized environment for so long, they remained committed to their work and each other as teammates. After taking on additional responsibilities, Williams became the station’s commander three months into her stay, a role she maintained until recently.
Interestingly, their mission took a political twist when President Donald Trump pressured SpaceX to speed their return, attributing the delays to the current administration. Facing the urgency, SpaceX opted to utilize a different capsule to facilitate their departure, thus quickening the process.
Amidst the political backdrop, the two pilots remained composed, consistently expressing their support for NASA’s decisions. Both had prior experience on the ISS, and the extended duration, though challenging, was likened to the deployment time they experienced in their previous Navy careers. Their families, however, bore the brunt of their prolonged absence, with Wilmore missing much of his younger daughter’s senior year and Williams connecting with her loved ones via video calls.
Now, upon completion of their SpaceX mission, they are set to reunite with their families, yearning for the embrace and comfort that awaits them after their long journey home.
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