Astronauts’ 9-Month Space Stay Ends After Technical Delays.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally on their 17-hour journey back to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, their stay was extended significantly due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.

Problems with Boeing’s Starliner

The two astronauts launched on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner, which was being tested to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. Unfortunately, Starliner faced multiple technical problems after docking at the ISS.

These included five helium leaks, five malfunctioning thrusters, and a propellant valve failure. Due to these issues, the spacecraft returned to Earth without the astronauts, and it was decided the safest option was for them to remain on the ISS.

Astronauts’ Time in Space

Despite the extended stay, Wilmore and Williams kept busy with spacewalks, experiments, and maintenance work on the station. Williams, in particular, described the ISS as her "happy place," emphasizing the positive aspects of living in space. She noted that while it was challenging for their families, the astronauts were enjoying the mission, despite the waiting.

Delays and the Arrival of SpaceX Crew

In September, the SpaceX spacecraft arrived at the ISS, carrying NASA’s Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. It also left two empty seats for Wilmore and Williams. However, their return was delayed again due to issues with the SpaceX rocket, which was supposed to bring them home. After completing their mission and helping to ensure the safety of their crew replacement, the long-awaited crew finally arrived on Sunday.

Journey Home

With favorable weather conditions, the astronauts’ return was expedited by a day. The group of astronauts, including NASA’s Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, JAXA’s Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos's Kirill Peskov, are now on their 17-hour journey back to Earth, scheduled to splashdown off the coast of Florida at around 10 p.m. GMT on Tuesday.

The @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four #Crew9 members undocked from the station at 1:05am ET today and is headed for a splashdown off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of America at 5:57pm. More... https://t.co/eISgbf1ngL pic.twitter.com/kHSzIlrZhP

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 18, 2025

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