NASA-SpaceX Crew Celebrates Safe Return to Earth After Extended Mission
We conclude our coverage of the much-discussed return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who unexpectedly spent nine months on the International Space Station after planning for a brief mission of under two weeks. Here are the highlights:
A SpaceX capsule carrying the two astronauts, along with NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, successfully landed in the ocean near Florida at approximately 5:57 PM EST on Tuesday.
The capsule's picturesque landing, on a notably calm and sunny day, was enhanced by the presence of dolphins swimming around the floating spacecraft.
The four astronauts exited the capsule with smiles, boarded the recovery vessel, and were then taken for medical checks. They were scheduled to travel by helicopter to Florida and then proceed to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they would reunite with their families and continue their readjustment to life on Earth.
During a NASA press conference in Houston, officials largely avoided addressing claims by Trump and Musk that the astronauts were “stranded” or “abandoned” by the Biden administration, as well as Musk’s assertion that Trump should be credited for “prioritizing this mission.” A NASA representative stated that the agency focuses on ensuring safe missions and conducting scientific research in space, rather than engaging with media narratives.
NASA officials highlighted the importance of collaborating with multiple private contractors, including Boeing and SpaceX, for astronaut transportation to and from the International Space Station. Despite previous challenges, Boeing remains committed to its spaceflight initiatives.
Michael Sainato provided an in-depth look at NASA workers' concerns about potential budget cuts and the influence of Elon Musk, who, as a major government contractor and owner of SpaceX, plays a significant role in the current administration.
For those curious about the astronauts' physical adjustments after nine months in space, my colleague Helen Sullivan provides insights into their transition back to Earth.