New Delhi – After spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, have officially begun their journey back to Earth.

#Crew9 will be difficult to spot in the daytime as it reenters Earth's atmosphere, but if you want to keep an eye out for @SpaceX's Dragon as it heads home today, we have the map for you. pic.twitter.com/dGmSWXbOyv

— NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025

Undocking from the ISS

The crew undocked from the ISS at 10:35 AM IST on March 18, 2025 and is expected to spend around 17 hours in transit before touching down in the Gulf of Mexico, now referred to as the "Gulf of America" by the Trump administration. The expected landing time is 3:27 AM IST on Wednesday, March 19.

Why Did Sunita Williams Stay Longer in Space?

Williams and Wilmore’s mission was supposed to last only a few weeks, but due to a thruster malfunction in their Boeing Starliner capsule, they were stranded in orbit. The technical issues with the capsule, intended to return them, caused a delay in their return. Their mission was further extended due to delays in the SpaceX Crew-10 launch.

Will Sunita Williams Get Paid Overtime for Her Extended Stay?

There has been curiosity about whether Sunita Williams will be compensated for her extended stay. NASA astronaut Cady Coleman clarified in an interview that there is no overtime pay for astronauts, and they are compensated based on the GS-15 pay grade, the highest level for federal employees.

Health Challenges Ahead for the Crew

The astronauts' extended time in space has led to several health challenges, including muscle loss, weakened bones, dizziness, and what is commonly referred to as "baby feet"—the softening and skin changes caused by prolonged exposure to weightlessness. While these effects are temporary, the recovery process upon return to Earth can be physically challenging.

Sunita Williams' Ancestral Village Plans Celebrations

In her ancestral village Jhulasan, located in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, preparations are underway for a grand celebration. The community, proud of her achievements, is eagerly awaiting her safe return. Fireworks, a procession, and an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) have been arranged in her honor.

Political Acknowledgment

Union Minister Jitendra Singh referred to Sunita Williams as a "daughter of India" and expressed pride in her accomplishments, adding that the nation is praying for her safe return. Meanwhile, Kerala’s Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal drew parallels between Williams’ perseverance and the state’s resolve in facing its own challenges, despite external pressures.

SpaceX Crew-9’s Journey Back

NASA has confirmed that SpaceX’s Crew-9 spacecraft with Williams and the rest of the crew safely undocked from the ISS earlier today. With favorable weather conditions, the spacecraft is expected to splash down off the coast of Florida within hours, marking the end of a historic mission.

Stay Tuned for Updates

As Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov make their way home, be sure to follow the live updates for the latest information on their journey back to Earth.