After spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finally returned to Earth, following an extended mission that was originally planned for just eight days. The mission was dramatically extended due to technical issues with their spacecraft, the Starliner, which made it too risky to use for their return. As a result, they had to wait for a SpaceX capsule, which was scheduled for a six-month mission.
Throughout their extended stay, Butch and Suni carried out various experiments and conducted spacewalks, with Suni breaking the record for the most hours spent by a woman outside the space station. They also marked Christmas in space by wearing festive attire and sending greetings back to Earth.
Their journey back to Earth was marked by a fast and fiery re-entry, followed by a gentle splashdown off the coast of Florida. A pod of dolphins even circled the capsule as it floated in the water. After being recovered by a ship, the astronauts were helped out of the capsule and given a warm welcome.
While their return was a huge relief, it will take time for their bodies to readjust to life on Earth. They will undergo medical checks and a rigorous exercise regimen to help counteract the effects of long-duration spaceflight, such as muscle and bone loss, and fluid shifts.
Despite the challenges of their extended stay, Butch and Suni embraced the experience and are now excited to reunite with their families and enjoy the simple pleasures of Earth, like seeing their loved ones and feeling the gravity again.