Only one day left: NASA reveals the time Sunita Williams will return to Earth

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore are finally heading back to Earth after spending over nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). NASA announced that their return is scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 18. SpaceX's Crew-10 spacecraft arrived at the ISS on Sunday, preparing the way for their return.

NASA confirmed that the splashdown of Crew-10 will take place at approximately 5:57 pm on Tuesday, March 18. This means Sunita and Butch will touch down on Earth at 3:30 am on March 19, Indian time. Their return was initially planned for Wednesday but was rescheduled after considering the weather conditions. NASA continues to closely monitor the situation.

The return will be broadcast live by NASA, starting at 10:45 pm on Monday, March 17 (8:30 am on March 18 in India). The live coverage will begin with the closure of the Dragon spacecraft hatch. Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, who were sent to the ISS to bring Sunita and Butch back, will also return with them aboard the same spacecraft.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore first launched into space in June 2024 aboard Boeing Starliner for what was meant to be a short, week-long mission. However, a spacecraft malfunction delayed their return. Despite concerns about her health during the extended stay, Sunita Williams is now safely returning home.

Sunita’s journey, which has been filled with unexpected challenges, is now nearing its conclusion, marking the end of a long and extraordinary chapter in her astronaut career.