Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore begin 45-day rehab after unexpectedly long ISS stay

The state assembly in MP on Thursday congratulated Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore on their safe return after spending nine months in space. As the House convened for Question Hour, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said, “Sunita Williams has become the first woman to spend the longest time in space, it is a moment of pride for all of us. I congratulate her...” Members of the House thumped their desks in agreement.

As the sun rose over Jhulasan, two schools — Shree CP Gajjar High School and Jhulasan Primary School — became the epicentres of celebrations. Students gathered to celebrate the occasion by performing garba and took out a procession with Sunita Williams' photo to the nearby temple of goddess Dola Mata.
As the procession made its way from the school premises to the temple, the students danced and sang and distributed sweets on their way. School teachers and locals said the goddess heard their prayers and brought Williams home safely.

"At 9am, 450 students, teachers, and villagers gathered, carrying the ‘Akhand Jyot' (eternal flame), they had kept alive for Sunita Williams' safe return, through the streets. We distributed ‘sukhdi' and ‘penda' to mark the occasion. It was a moment of pure joy," said Vishal Panchal, principal of Jhulasan Primary School.

Within an hour of arrival, both astronauts walked out of the capsule, waving and smiling into the cameras. Their energy, despite the extended mission, looked high as they were led out to reclining stretchers for their routine post-flight medical evaluation. This hasty exit meant that they were in good health after the extended space flight. Here are the major accomplishments Sunita Williams and crew achieved during their extended space mission.

While she was in space, Williams helped service and clean the ISS, which is as wide as a football field. She performed routine repair and replaced outmoded hardware to keep the station operational. Apart from maintaining the station and cleaning it, Williams helped participate in numerous types of scientific research that have given us greater insights into space.

Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams has etched her name in history with her extraordinary achievements in space exploration. While she is celebrated worldwide for her contributions to space missions, few know that Williams initially had a completely different career aspiration.

As a child, she dreamt of becoming a veterinarian, drawn to animals and the field of medicine. However, a visit to her brother’s naval academy and exposure to the world of military aviation changed her path forever.

Students of a primary school in Nalgonda district savoured the safe return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, deriving inspiration from their story. Udavath Lachiram, Head Master of the Mandal Parishad Primary School at Damera Bheemanapalli village in Marriguda mandal, explained to the students of classes 1 to V about Nasa’s mission.

For each of the students, a photograph and an artwork made by the Head Master and other teachers of Sunita Williams was given. “Three students of Class V were so inspired that they wanted to further explore their interest in space science,” Headmaster Lachiram told TOI.

Along with the explanation that the Headmaster gave to the students about the space mission, a live telecast of NASA of the arrival of the astronaut back to Earth on March 18 was also screened for the students on Wednesday. “The context provided us an opportunity to tell students about space explorations and missions,” the Headmaster said.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, "Welcome back, #Crew9! The Earth missed you.

Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #Crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions.

Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career.

"We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity.

“We are thrilled to have Suni, Butch, Nick, and Aleksandr home after their months-long mission conducting vital science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance aboard the International Space Station,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “Per President Trump’s direction, NASA and SpaceX worked diligently to pull the schedule a month earlier. This international crew and our teams on the ground embraced the Trump Administration’s challenge of an updated, and somewhat unique, mission plan, to bring our crew home. Through preparation, ingenuity, and dedication, we achieve great things together for the benefit of humanity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars.”

Returning with the two astronauts were Nick Hague, the commander of this mission known as Crew-9, and Alexander Gorbunov, a Russian astronaut. The four astronauts were scheduled to fly back to Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they were to remain briefly until doctors let them go home. “They’ll join their families in the next day or so,” Stich said. The mission both underlined the dominance of SpaceX in the growing field of private spaceflight and the comparative woes of Boeing. The astronauts’ return was also tinged with politics.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have started a 45-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth's gravity after spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The duo splashed down off Florida's coast early Wednesday (IST) aboard SpaceX's Crew-9 mission.

Originally slated for an eight-day mission, their stay was prolonged due to propulsion issues with Boeing's Starliner, preventing its return. Their extended presence on the ISS sparked discussions on spaceflight safety.

The rehab program, designed by NASA's Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists, includes two-hour daily sessions focusing on mobility, muscle strengthening, and endurance. The process unfolds in three phases, addressing the physiological effects of prolonged weightlessness such as muscle atrophy, fluid shifts, and reduced bone density.

Their return was set in motion after Crew-10 reached the ISS on Sunday, allowing Williams, Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to prepare for departure. Seventeen hours after leaving the ISS, their SpaceX Dragon capsule safely landed at 3:27 a.m. IST. Following medical evaluations, Williams and Wilmore immediately began rehabilitation.

Past cases suggest astronauts often regain, or even surpass, their pre-flight fitness after completing the program.

Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return to Earth has sparked praise from former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, who highlighted the significance of public-private collaboration in space exploration.

"It gives great joy and pleasure, but I am observing it from a slightly different angle," Narayanan said, emphasizing two key takeaways. "One is that the private companies and the government sector both work together—how good it can be, how best it can be. This is a typical example, and this is one thing we should follow."

He noted that while India is integrating private players into its space program, caution is necessary. "There must be some caution. We should be very careful when selecting those startups; unless we are careful, we will have a problem."

Narayanan also underscored the importance of international collaboration in space missions, drawing lessons from Williams’ return aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during her press briefing on Wednesday (local time), said that the rescue of NASA Crew-9 astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov was a historic mission under US President Donald Trump.

Leavitt stated that Trump had always promised to look out for the "forgotten man and woman."

"This historic mission brings new meaning to President Trump's promise to always look out for the forgotten man and woman," she said.

Leavitt said that 'last night was the very best of America' as the astronauts were back on Earth.

"Last night we saw the very best of America. After spending nearly 300 days aboard the International Space Station, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are back on Earth. These two incredible astronauts were only supposed to be up there for eight days," she said.

Egyptian Astronaut Sara Sabry, Founder and CEO of Deep Space Initiative, has expressed her excitement and joy over NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams's return to Earth after a nine-month stint in space.

Sabry praised Williams's incredible opportunity to be in space and highlighted the immense research conducted on the International Space Station.

"It's great news. I think they must be really pleased and happy to be back on Earth after nine months in space finally. Being in space is such an incredible opportunity. Not many people get to do it, so I'm sure they've done the best that they can to make the mission successful and to really make it as productive as possible," said Sabry.

Sabry acknowledged the astronauts' hard work, stating they had no free time due to the precious nature of their time at the space station. She shared her enthusiasm for Williams's reunion with her family, enjoying good food, and experiencing the simple pleasures of life on Earth, like dropping a pen on the floor.

The film fraternity is celebrating astronaut Sunita Williams's safe return to Earth after an intense space mission.
Celebrities took to their social media handles to express their joy at the safe return of Sunita Williams.

Shilpa Shetty posted a video on Instagram Story and wrote, "Prayers answered finally...So happy you are safe, back home and smiling."

Anupam Kher also posted a picture on Instagram of Sunita Williams. "Welcome home dearest #SunitaWilliams. Iss Dharti pr hamesha aapka swagat hai. Aap mahan hai. Jai ho!"

Karisma Kapoor celebrated the moment by dropping a video on Instagram Story with white heart and clap emojis.

Anil Kapoor took a moment to welcome back Sunita Williams on Earth. He penned an adorable note, "And the stars have finally descended on Earth!"

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Sunita Williams on Wednesday after her return from the extended space expedition aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova congratulated NASA's Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams on her return to Earth after a successful space mission. In a conversation with ANI, Pyszkova praised Williams for her achievement, calling it an inspiration for women pursuing their dreams.

"It is a great achievement and congratulations. All of the women who are trying to do something, be brave, and work hard on their passions and dreams. And I think everyone should go and follow up on what's their heart desire," Pyszkova said.

Williams, along with NASA Crew-9 astronauts Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Wednesday after spending over nine months in space. The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida.

The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her return to Earth after a nine-month long space exploration mission and said that her achievement shows that "there are no limits to dreams". Speaker A N Shamseer said that Willams achievement was a "sparkling example" of courage and dedication by a person of Indian origin and therefore, it was a moment of pride for the country as well.

He said that the Indian-origin astronaut showed her inner strength to the world through her journey and her achievement should be a source of encouragement for women and youth across the world.

"It shows that there are no limits to dreams. We (assembly) extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sunita Williams and the others who helped her in her journey," Shamseer said.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Williams returned to Earth on Tuesday, hitching a different ride home to close out a saga that began with a bungled test flight more than nine months ago.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), bringing relief and joy to her family. Her cousin Dinesh Rawal, overwhelmed with emotions, said Williams is destined for greatness.

"When she returned, we jumped with joy... I was so happy. Till yesterday, I had an unsettling feeling deep in my heart... But God has listened to our prayers and brought our Suni back safely. Sunita is not an ordinary person... She will change the world," Rawal told ANI.

Williams, along with NASA Crew-9 astronauts, completed the agency's ninth commercial crew rotation mission to the ISS. The team returned aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule, splashing down safely off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, according to a NASA statement.

Their return was delayed due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which surfaced during a test flight piloted by Williams and Butch Wilmore last summer. Initially planned for just a week, their stay extended to an unprecedented nine months, CNN reported.

As per standard SpaceX protocol, the astronauts disembarked the capsule on stretchers, a precautionary measure after extended space missions due to the impact of weightlessness on the human body.

Williams, a veteran astronaut of Indian origin, has once again made history, and her family believes her contributions to space exploration will leave a lasting impact.

West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her "illiterate" and accusing her of insulting the country's daughter, Sunita Williams.

Adhikari's outburst came after Banerjee allegedly referred to the Indian-American astronaut as "Sunita Chawla" instead of Sunita Williams.

Adhikari also mentioned a past incident in which Banerjee supposedly claimed that Rakesh Roshan and Indira Gandhi went to the moon. He termed this "shameful" and criticized Banerjee for changing Williams' name.

"The CM is saying the wrong things. She is an illiterate Chief Minister. She took the name of Sunita Chawla instead of Sunita Williams. This is an insult to the daughter of our country. Earlier, the CM said Rakesh Roshan and Indira Gandhi went to the moon. It is shameful that the West Bengal CM changed the name of Sunita Williams," said Adhikari.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, while giving her reactions on the successful return of Sunita Williams from space, claimed to have studied space science.

She also said that Williams should be conferred the Bharat Ratna award by the Union government.

While addressing the second round of the budget session of the Assembly on Wednesday, the Chief Minister also referred to the tragedy of the death of Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to fly to space, who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in February 2003.

“Kalpana Chawla too went to space. But she could not return. I have studied space science. There are cases where aeroplanes recover from technical glitches and return. I heard the spaceship through which Sunita Williams was travelling also developed some technical glitches. It could have turned into a fire mishap which had happened in the case of Kalpana Chawla. That is why they had to remain trapped in space for such a long time. I especially thank the rescue team for the successful return of Williams and her team members,” the Chief Minister said.

The Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return to the earth after spending more than nine months in a space station. Speaker U T Khader read out a resolution hailing Williams and Butch Wilmore on landing in Earth safely. He said Williams had undertaken spacewalk nine times.

Students at Karnal's Tagore Baal Niketan joined the millions in taking an ecstatic sigh of relief on Wednesday as Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after 286 days of being stranded in space. The same school gave the world a brilliant astronaut in Kalpana Chawla, who was the first woman of India-origin to go in space.

Its principal, Dr Rajan Lamba said, "Everyone was happy and relieved at the safe return of Sunita William and fellow astronauts … Due to ongoing school Board exams, we could not hold celebrations in the school, but everyone was happy including students, teachers."

He said the memories of the Columbia Space Shuttle are still fresh in his mind as he recounted a series of a missives exchanged between the school's founder and Chawla before she departed for her mission.

"When she was to venture on her space mission, she telephoned the founder-chairperson of the school and asked her to give her something which she could carry as a memento to the space," he said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, his Tripura counterpart Manik Saha and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality.

Assam Chief Minister Sarma in his X post said: "Take a bow -- this is indeed one of the high points of humanity, a superfine convergence of endurance and scientific advancement. Welcome back Sunita Williams."

Tripura Chief Minister Saha said: "Welcome back, Crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions."

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' return to earth at the conclusion of the scientific mission to the space station was more than a homecoming. It was a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi said on Wednesday. Welcoming Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their successful mission, the Governor said months in the unforgiving expanse of space tested the limits of endurance, adaptability and resolve. "Yet you conquered every challenge with unwavering determination and resilience," Ravi said.

In a post on the official handle of the Raj Bhavan, the Governor said: "Your return is more than a homecoming; it is a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement. May your journey ahead open new frontiers and inspire future explorers to push the boundaries of the cosmos."

Sunita Williams' cousin Dinesh Rawal on Wednesday said that the NASA astronaut will change the world as she is not an ordinary person. "When she returned, we jumped with joy... I was so happy... Till yesterday, I had an unsettling feeling deep in my heart... God has listened to our prayers and brought our Suni back safely... Sunita is not an ordinary person... She will change the world," Dinesh Rawal told ANI.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said astronaut Sunita Williams should be conferred with Bharat Ratna for the challenges she faced while spending nearly nine months in space. Speaking at the Assembly, Banerjee congratulated the rescue team, praising their commendable efforts in bringing the astronauts back to Earth. "The West Bengal Assembly would like to thank the team for rescuing Williams and another astronaut who were stranded in space for several months. I congratulate them, as well as Sunita Williams. I think she should be honoured with Bharat Ratna," Banerjee told the House.

The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her return to Earth after a nine-month long space exploration mission and said that her achievement shows that "there are no limits to dreams". Speaker A N Shamseer said that Willams achievement was a "sparkling example" of courage and dedication by a person of Indian origin and therefore, it was a moment of pride for the country as well. He said that the Indian-origin astronaut showed her inner strength to the world through her journey and her achievement should be a source of encouragement for women and youth across the world.

The Haryana Assembly on Wednesday expressed happiness at safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members to Earth after a prolonged mission to the International Space Station. During the ongoing budget session, Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij moved a resolution saying Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members had returned to Earth after a prolonged mission and said that the Assembly should express its happiness over their safe return.

NASA astronauts Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth early Wednesday onboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the sea off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

For Williams and Wilmore, test pilots for Boeing's new Starliner capsule, an eight-day mission stretched to more than nine months as a series of helium leaks and thruster failures deemed their spacecraft unsafe. The spacecraft returned without them in September.

The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth after a prolonged mission to the International Space Station and said her remarkable resilience serves as a profound inspiration to space enthusiasts worldwide. NASA astronauts Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth early Wednesday onboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the sea off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

For Williams and Wilmore, test pilots for Boeing's new Starliner capsule, an eight-day mission stretched to more than nine months as a series of helium leaks and thruster failures deemed their spacecraft unsafe. The spacecraft returned without them in September last year.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "Welcome back to Earth, Sunita Williams! On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend our warmest felicitations and heartfelt good wishes upon your safe and successful return with NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore."

"The safe conclusion of your extended mission has brought a sense of relief and elation to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, who are immensely proud of your accomplishments," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday applauded Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' resilience and congratulated her on her safe return to Earth after an extended space mission. NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Tuesday.

"Glad to see astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return safely to earth. Their journey back shows exemplary human determination and teamwork," Naidu stated in a post on 'X'.

Naidu further applauded everyone who made it possible and saluted the astronauts for their strength and perseverance, wishing them good health.

Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma extended heartfelt greetings to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return from space, emphasizing that her success has added a new chapter in women empowerment.

In his message on X handle, he said, "Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has demonstrated exceptional patience courage and determination by staying in space for nine months. Her achievement is not just a moment of pride for India but also an inspiration for humanity."

He also termed it as a victory of her patience as she stayed for nine months in the space. This historic achievement has added a new chapter in the field of women empowerment, he said further in his message.

Former CM Ashok Gehlot also hailed her safe return, calling it a joyous occasion for the entire world and a moment of pride for Indians.

Describing NASA astronaut Sunita Williams as "daughter of India", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hailed the return of space explorers after being stranded for nearly nine months. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth early on Wednesday after nine months' stay at the International Space Station. Their eight-day journey in space stretched to nine months due to a glitch in their Boeing spacecraft.

"Welcome Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth, finally and safely, after so many days. Our daughter of India returns to us, and we are deeply deeply happy and elated. We are profoundly happy for Butch Wilmore also. Hail their courage, hail their return, hail human glory!" Banerjee said in a post on X.

"I congratulate the rescue team for their overwhelming support and success," she added.

President Donald Trump has said that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore would visit the White House once they have recovered. When asked about their visit by a Fox News reporter, Trump responded, “Well, they have to get better. You know, when you are up there and you have no pull on your muscle, you have no gravity, you can lift a thousand pounds like this.”

"They have to get better. It will be a little bit tough for them. It's not easy, you know. They were up for a long time and when they do, they will come to the Oval office." he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams' return to Earth from International Space station and said that the determination of crew 9 will inspire millions.

In a social media post on X, Pm Modi said that that the mission to ISS was a test of grit, courage and boundless human spirit.

"Welcome back, Crew 9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the Crew 9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions," PM Modi said.

In a social media post on X Isro said, "Welcome back, Sunita Williams! Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement. A testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration! Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire space enthusiasts around the world. As Secretary DoS and Chairman ISRO, I on behalf of my colleagues extend warm greetings to you and wish you a great day ahead."

"​​When Bharat under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi ji is working towards making India a developed country, we wish to utilise your expertise in space exploration," it added

In a social media post on X, Rajnath said, "Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s Crew 9 on Earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space"

In a social media post on X, Union minister Jitendra Singh lauded Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams' return and said, "A moment of glory , pride and relief! The whole world comes together to celebrate the safe return of this illustrious daughter of India who has instantly gone down in the history for the courage, conviction and consistency with which she endured the uncertainties of Space."

Extended stays in microgravity, such as those aboard the International Space Station (ISS), significantly affect the human body in multiple ways, including bone and muscle loss, circulatory changes, vision impairment, and skin sensitivity.

Bone and muscle loss

Without the gravitational resistance, astronauts experience a loss of bone density at a rate of about 1-2% per month and muscle atrophy, particularly in the legs, trunk, and even the heart. To mitigate these effects, astronauts on the ISS follow daily exercise routines. However, some loss is inevitable, and astronauts require months of rehabilitation after returning to Earth to regain their strength.

Circulatory and cardiovascular changes

In microgravity, the heart does less work because it doesn't need to pump blood against gravity. Blood distribution shifts, leading to a puffy face and thinner legs, and fluids accumulate in the head, causing astronauts to feel as though they have a constant cold. These changes in circulation increase the risk of blood clots, which scientists monitor closely upon the astronauts' return to Earth.

Vision impairment and brain fluid accumulation

Astronauts often develop vision problems due to fluid buildup in the head, which alters the shape of the eyeball. This condition, known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), can cause blurred vision, and in some cases, astronauts may need to wear glasses permanently.

Skin sensitivity

Microgravity also increases skin sensitivity. With clothing floating away from the skin, astronauts experience softer, more sensitive skin. Upon returning to Earth, some astronauts report that everyday fabrics feel like sandpaper against their skin.

Radiation exposure

One of the major risks of long-duration space travel is radiation exposure. Without Earth's protective atmosphere and magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation, which increases their risk of developing cancer and neurological disorders.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams experienced a 17-hour journey back to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon, a significantly longer return time compared to Russia’s Soyuz, which took just 3.5 hours. The extended duration of the Crew Dragon’s return prioritized safety and precision, featuring gradual orbit-lowering burns, a controlled reentry, and a parachute-assisted splashdown off the Florida coast, with adjustments made for weather and landing conditions. In contrast, Soyuz utilized a faster, ballistic descent, landing at a fixed site in Kazakhstan, sacrificing comfort for speed.

The astronauts had switched to Crew Dragon after technical issues with Boeing's Starliner, underscoring SpaceX’s reliability in crewed space missions. The differing return times reflected contrasting design philosophies: SpaceX focused on crew comfort and flexibility, while Soyuz emphasized speed and efficiency.

Sunita Williams has spent a total of 606 days in space, earning a place in history for her remarkable endurance. Her 2024 Starliner mission was extended by an additional 284 days due to technical issues, further solidifying her record.

Throughout her career, Williams has completed four spaceflights and contributed to some of the most significant research and exploration missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her work, especially in long-duration missions, establishes her as a pioneering figure for NASA.

People in Jhulasan, the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, celebrated her safe return to Earth on Wednesday by performing aarti and offering prayers after she spent nearly nine months in space.

The celebrations began after the successful splashdown of the Dragon spacecraft, which brought Williams back to Earth along with Crew-9 members Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Earlier, the NASA astronaut's cousin, Dinesh Rawal, organized a 'Yagna' in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to pray for her safe return.

SpaceX confirmed the splashdown, and NASA astronaut Nick Hague shared that the crew was "grinning ear to ear" after their safe return.

Following the landing, NASA astronaut Nick Hague delivered his first message to mission control. While the audio was somewhat unclear, Hague could be heard saying that the crew was "grinning ear to ear," CNN reported.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday celebrated the return of Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were stranded in space for over nine months, taking credit for their safe homecoming.

The White House’s official X account posted, “PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @Nasa!”

Meanwhile Donald Trump also shared a video on X of the splashdown with the caption, “USA! More winning.”