NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is finally set to return to Earth after spending nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Alongside fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, she will begin her journey back in the SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 capsule, marking the end of an extended mission.

NASA, in collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has successfully planned and scheduled the return mission, ensuring a safe descent and water landing off the Florida coast.

When is Sunita Williams Returning to Earth?

The return mission for NASA’s Crew-9, including Sunita Williams, is scheduled for March 18, 2024 (March 19 for Indian viewers).

Return Timeline (Indian Standard Time - IST):

• Departure from ISS → March 18, 10:35 AM IST
• Expected Splashdown (Florida Coast) → March 19, 3:27 AM IST

This timeline marks a significant milestone for NASA, as Sunita Williams and her crew complete an extended space mission filled with groundbreaking research and experiments.

Mission Timeline: From ISS to Earth – A Carefully Planned Journey

At 1:05 AM EDT (10:35 AM IST on March 18), the SpaceX Dragon capsule detached from the ISS, initiating the return sequence.

This event was broadcast live by NASA, showing the moment of undocking and the spacecraft’s movement away from the orbital station.

The capsule, traveling at a speed of over 27,000 km/h, will carefully navigate Earth’s atmosphere before making a controlled descent and splashdown near Florida at 5:57 PM EDT (3:27 AM IST, March 19).

Sunita Williams’ Extended Stay: Nine Months Aboard the ISS

Originally, the Crew-9 mission was expected to return earlier, but due to unfavorable conditions and mission rescheduling, Sunita Williams and her crew stayed longer than planned.

Her journey aboard the ISS involved scientific experiments, maintenance work, and multiple spacewalks, making her one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts in space operations.

This extended mission also gave her one of the longest cumulative space durations for a female astronaut, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in space exploration.

SpaceX and NASA: A Crucial Partnership for Safe Return

The return of Crew-9 is being facilitated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has played a pivotal role in modern space travel.

The Dragon spacecraft, an advanced capsule designed for safe re-entry, ensures that Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts experience a smooth descent.

This mission is part of NASA’s ongoing commercial crew program, where private space companies like SpaceX are revolutionizing how astronauts travel to and from space.

On March 16, SpaceX Dragon-10 successfully docked with the ISS, bringing the Crew-10 astronauts who will replace Sunita Williams and her team.

Handing Over ISS Command: Sunita Williams Passes the Baton

Before departure, Sunita Williams officially handed over ISS operations to Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, who will command the station for the next six months.

This transition ensures that ISS operations continue smoothly, as new astronauts begin their own research and maintenance missions aboard the station.

Who is Returning to Earth with Sunita Williams?

Along with Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two other astronauts from Crew-9 are also making their journey back:

✅ Nick Hague (NASA Astronaut)
✅ Aleksandr Gorbunov (Russian Cosmonaut)

This marks a multi-national collaboration between NASA and Roscosmos, reflecting the global effort in space research and technology.

NASA’s Live Stream: How to Watch Sunita Williams’ Return

For those eager to witness this historic return, NASA is broadcasting the entire journey live on multiple platforms.

✅ NASA’s Official Website
✅ NASA TV on YouTube
✅ Livemint YouTube Channel

These platforms provide real-time coverage, allowing space enthusiasts worldwide to follow every step of the return journey.

Astronauts Reflect on Their Time in Space Before Returning

As they packed their belongings and prepared to leave, the Crew-9 astronauts reflected on their experiences aboard the ISS.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague expressed his emotions, saying:

"It's been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected."

This statement highlights the emotional bond astronauts develop with their mission and how space exploration is more than just science—it’s about human connection, discovery, and pushing boundaries.

Final Moments in Space: The Last Goodbye Before Re-Entry

As the SpaceX Dragon capsule slowly moved away from the ISS, the astronauts took a final look at the space station they called home for nearly a year.

With a successful undocking and re-entry planned, Sunita Williams and her team are now on the last leg of their mission—returning to Earth safely.

With the world watching, the homecoming of Sunita Williams is not just a moment of personal achievement but a monumental event in human spaceflight history.