When & How Will Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore be Brought Back from Space?
NASA has finally revealed the long-awaited return date for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since November 2022. According to NASA, the two astronauts will be brought back to Earth by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on March 16, 2025. However, their return is contingent on the successful launch of Crew 10 on March 12, 2025.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are part of Crew 9, which consists of five astronauts who have been on a six-month mission to the ISS. The crew arrived at the space station on November 17, 2022, and has been conducting various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks since then.
The return of the astronauts has been a topic of discussion for several months, with NASA and SpaceX working tirelessly to ensure a safe and successful landing. In a statement, NASA confirmed that the Crew Dragon spacecraft will be used to bring the astronauts back to Earth, and that the expected landing date is March 16, 2025.
So, how will Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore be brought back from space? The process is quite complex and involves several stages. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Pre-Landing Preparations
In the weeks leading up to the landing, NASA and SpaceX will conduct a series of checks to ensure that the Crew Dragon spacecraft is ready for re-entry. This will include checking the spacecraft’s propulsion systems, power systems, and communication systems.
Undocking from the ISS
On March 16, 2025, the Crew Dragon spacecraft will undock from the ISS, marking the beginning of its journey back to Earth. The undocking process will be conducted autonomously by the spacecraft, with NASA and SpaceX monitoring the process from Earth.
Re-Entry into Earth’s Atmosphere
Once the Crew Dragon spacecraft has undocked from the ISS, it will begin its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. This will involve a series of complex maneuvers, including a series of S-shaped turns to slow down the spacecraft’s velocity.
Parachute Deployment
As the spacecraft re-enters the atmosphere, it will deploy a series of parachutes to slow down its descent. The parachutes will be deployed in stages, with the first parachute deploying at an altitude of around 10,000 feet.
Splashdown
After the parachutes have been deployed, the Crew Dragon spacecraft will splashdown into the ocean, marking the end of its journey. The spacecraft will float on the surface of the water until it is recovered by NASA’s recovery team.
Recovery
Once the spacecraft has been recovered, the astronauts will emerge from the spacecraft and be greeted by NASA’s recovery team. They will then be transported to a waiting aircraft, where they will be flown back to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Conclusion
The return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from space is a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. The crew has been on a six-month mission to the ISS, conducting various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks. Their return will mark the end of their time in space, and they will be welcomed back to Earth as heroes.
As the world waits with bated breath for the return of the astronauts, NASA and SpaceX are working tirelessly to ensure a safe and successful landing. With the Crew Dragon spacecraft ready to bring the astronauts back to Earth, all eyes will be on the March 16, 2025, landing date.
