“Back to Earth: SpaceX Crew Dragon Carrying NASA’s Sunita & Barry Starts Splashdown Journey”

March 18, 2025 | Florida:
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have formally left the International Space Station (ISS) early on Tuesday morning, heading on their much-awaited return trip to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

The undocking was pre-dawn, and the capsule is now on its way to an on-schedule splashdown off the coast of Florida by about 5:57 p.m. (2157 GMT), subject to weather conditions.

Delayed Return After Boeing Starliner Setback

The return of Wilmore and Williams concludes an unusually prolonged mission. The two first launched aboard Boeing‘s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 on what was meant to be a short, week-long test mission. But problems with the propulsion system on the Starliner made the spacecraft unsuitable for their return, forcing them to spend nine months aboard the ISS.

NASA decided to return the astronauts to Earth on SpaceX‘s Crew Dragon, which docked with the ISS on Sunday morning. In addition to Wilmore and Williams, a fellow American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut, who arrived on the same Crew Dragon last week, will join them for the return journey.

NASA Statement and Safety Assurances

In a formal release, NASA affirmed that every system on board the Crew Dragon has been properly tested to guarantee a secure ride for the crew.

“We have brought forward the projected splashdown to around 5:57 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, pending good weather off the coast of Florida,” NASA announced in its update on Sunday evening.

Looking Ahead

This return is a testament to the growing dependence on SpaceX‘s Crew Dragon for the transportation of astronauts, particularly in the wake of Boeing‘s continued struggles with its Starliner program. The successful return of this mission will be another milestone in the partnership between SpaceX and NASA.

Tune in with us for live coverage of the splashdown and safe return of the astronauts to Earth.