NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Crew-9 have successfully made their way back to Earth following an unplanned 9-month mission on the International Space Station. What was originally intended to be a 10-day stay concluded with a triumphant splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico on March 19, 2025.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Sunita Williams’ Nine-Month Journey in Space: A Chronological Overview
June 5, 2024: Starliner Takes Off: Williams and Wilmore embarked on their journey aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was launched atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The objective of this mission was to validate Starliner for human spaceflight, positioning it as a rival to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
June 6, 2024: Starliner Docks with the ISS After Thruster Malfunctions:
The capsule successfully arrived at the International Space Station; however, five out of its 28 thrusters malfunctioned, which postponed the docking procedure. Engineers managed to restore functionality to four of the thrusters, enabling the Starliner to achieve docking on its second attempt.
June 18, 2024: First Return Delay Announced
NASA has delayed the crew’s return to June 26 in order to examine issues related to the thrusters and a helium leak. Nevertheless, further technical complications have emerged, resulting in an even later return date.
July 2, 2024: NASA Extends Mission Beyond 45-Day Limit
The original mission was intended to last a maximum of 45 days; however, NASA determined that the spacecraft was sufficiently stable to extend its time in orbit while addressing the issues related to the thruster and helium leak.
August 24, 2024: NASA Announces Starliner Will Return Without Crew
NASA and Boeing have determined that the Starliner will make an uncrewed return to Earth, while astronauts Williams and Wilmore will stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025. They will subsequently return using SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule.
