NASA astronauts returning to earth from space station after 9 months

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday (March 18), marking the end of an extraordinary nine-month journey in space.

Their mission, initially planned as a brief eight-day test flight aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, was extended due to unforeseen technical issues with their vehicle.

Williams is returning aboard SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with Willmore and two other Crew-9 members, reports India Today.

The astronauts have been on the ISS since June last year, following the maiden crewed mission of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which encountered technical issues and was deemed unfit for their return journey.

The Starliner's propulsion problems necessitated an alternative plan, leading to their inclusion in the Crew-9 mission.

The astronauts adapted to their extended stay by engaging in over 150 scientific experiments, contributing significantly to ongoing research in space.

They were eventually included in the SpaceX Crew-9 mission for their return journey.

The Crew-10 mission, which docked at the ISS on March 17, facilitated the crew exchange necessary for Williams and Wilmore's departure.

Williams and Wilmore have boarded the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, accompanied by astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The four astronauts will splash down off the coast of Florida at 3:27 a.m. IST on March 19, after a 17-hour journey, re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

This marks a significant milestone in their journey, as they prepare to face the challenges of readjusting to Earth's gravity after nearly nine months in space