18 March 2025: Astronauts’ Return Journey Begins
March 18, 8:50 AM IST: Hatch of SpaceX Dragon capsule sealed, marking the start of their return to Earth.
March 19, 2:41 AM IST: Deorbit burn reduces the capsule’s speed for re-entry.
March 19, 3:14 AM IST: Temporary loss of communication due to atmospheric heating during re-entry.
March 19, 3:24 AM IST: Parachutes deployed, slowing descent in preparation for splashdown.
March 19, 3:27 AM IST: Splashdown confirmed in the Gulf of Mexico, near Florida.
· Post-Splashdown Support and Medical Evaluation
o NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston assists astronauts with readjustment to Earth’s gravity.
o Initial medical evaluations conducted aboard the recovery vessel.
o Ongoing monitoring and transport to NASA facilities in Houston for further assessments.
