Sunita Williams' return to Earth: NASA confirms splashdown time and where to watch it live

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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were stranded on the ISS due to Boeing Starliner technical issues, will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Their extended 9-month mission will end with a splashdown off Florida’s coast. Live coverage of this event can be viewed on NASA TV and its official channels.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set to return to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their unexpected extended mission is coming to an end as they prepare for a Tuesday evening splashdown off the coast of Florida.

Originally, Williams and Wilmore were scheduled for a short seven-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, but due to propulsion issues and helium leaks, the spacecraft was deemed unsafe for their return. As a result, NASA had to postpone their journey home while finding an alternative way to bring them back safely.

The two astronauts will now return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, accompanied by another American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut. NASA, in collaboration with SpaceX, has been closely monitoring weather conditions for a safe landing, prompting them to reschedule the return a day earlier than initially planned.

NASA announced that Wilmore and Williams will depart the ISS on Tuesday, March 18, with the Crew Dragon splashdown scheduled for approximately:

Time: 5:57 PM EST (21:57 GMT)
Location: Off the coast of Florida

NASA’s decision to bring forward the astronauts’ return was based on favorable weather conditions. The original return was scheduled for Wednesday, but mission managers determined that an earlier landing would ensure smoother operations and help avoid potentially less favorable weather later in the week.

NASA has confirmed that it will provide live coverage of the astronauts’ return journey. The live stream will be available on:

NASA TV
NASA’s official website
NASA’s YouTube channel

The coverage will begin on Monday night (March 17) at 10:45 PM EST, featuring:

Hatch closure preparations
Undocking procedures
Reentry updates
Live footage of the splashdown

Boeing Starliner’s technical failures

Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024, as part of the first crewed mission for the vehicle. The plan was for them to return within a week, but severe technical problems with the Starliner’s propulsion system and helium leaks prevented its safe use for their journey home.

NASA’s decision to delay their return

By September 2024, NASA determined that the Starliner was unsafe for a crewed return.
The spacecraft was sent back without astronauts, leaving Williams and Wilmore to await an alternative return plan.
NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX collaborated to arrange a Crew Dragon return mission for the stranded astronauts.

To facilitate their return, NASA launched SpaceX Crew-10 on Friday, March 15, 2025, using a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Crew Dragon capsule.

Crew-10 astronauts arrive at ISS

On Sunday, March 17, the Crew-10 spacecraft docked at the International Space Station, bringing four new astronauts:

Anne McClain (NASA)
Nichole Ayers (NASA)
Takuya Onishi (JAXA – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos – Russia’s Space Agency)

This new crew will replace Wilmore and Williams, ensuring that ISS operations continue smoothly before their departure.

Extended mission beyond original plan

Planned stay: 7 days
Actual stay: Over 9 months

Despite their extended mission, the duo did not break the U.S. record for the longest space stay.

Frank Rubio holds the U.S. record with 371 consecutive days in space (2023).
Valeri Polyakov (Russia) holds the world record with 437 days aboard the Mir Space Station (1994-1995).

After landing in Florida, the astronauts will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they will undergo:

Medical evaluations to assess their physical condition after prolonged space exposure.
Post-mission debriefings to share insights from their extended stay.
Recovery protocols to help them readjust to Earth’s gravity.

TOI Science Desk

The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it’s the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.Read More

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