Stranded Astronauts Butch and Suni Prepare to Start Their Journey Back Home

After spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally preparing for their long-awaited return to Earth.

Their original mission was set to last just eight days, but due to technical issues with the spacecraft they arrived on, their stay in space was dramatically extended. The spacecraft, which had been part of Boeing’s Starliner program, experienced malfunctions that made it unsafe for the astronauts to return home as planned. While Starliner eventually made a safe return to Earth in early September with an empty crew, the two astronauts remained aboard the ISS, waiting for an alternative ride back to Earth.

Now, Butch and Suni will return aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, accompanied by fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The crew is scheduled to undock from the ISS at 05:05 GMT (01:05 EDT) on Tuesday, with plans to land off the coast of Florida later that same day at 21:57 GMT (17:57 EDT). However, their landing time is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

The astronauts’ journey home will be nothing short of thrilling. The SpaceX Dragon capsule will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at a rapid speed, facing temperatures as high as 1600°C as it decelerates. The astronauts will experience intense g-forces, feeling up to four times the force of gravity. As the capsule nears the Earth’s surface, four large parachutes will deploy, ensuring a controlled splashdown in the ocean, allowing for a safe landing.

Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, spoke about the intense experience, saying that while the ride back to Earth will be a thrilling one, it will be worth it. “They’re experienced astronauts, but they will feel fantastic to be back on Earth. The fresh air is the first thing that gets you,” Sharman said in an interview with BBC News.

The journey that led to this moment for Butch and Suni began back in June 2024 when they were part of the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, during its journey to the ISS, the Starliner faced a number of technical difficulties, leading to the decision that it was too risky to bring the astronauts back on that particular spacecraft. The Starliner capsule was safely returned to Earth empty in early September, leaving the astronauts in space until a new spacecraft could be arranged.

NASA’s solution was to use the next available spacecraft, a SpaceX capsule, which arrived at the ISS in late September. This capsule had initially been scheduled for a six-month mission, meaning that Butch and Suni’s stay in space was extended well beyond their original timeline. When a new crew arrived at the ISS on Sunday, this allowed for the final step in the astronauts’ return to Earth. After a brief handover with the incoming crew, Butch and Suni’s mission was officially completed.

Although their mission took much longer than expected, Butch and Suni embraced the extended stay. They performed a variety of scientific experiments aboard the ISS, as well as participated in spacewalks. Suni Williams even set a record for the most hours spent outside the ISS by a female astronaut. While the media often referred to the pair as being “stranded,” they were never truly in any danger. Throughout their mission, the ISS was always equipped with backup spacecraft ready to bring the crew back to Earth in case of an emergency.

Before their departure, Butch expressed that they had prepared themselves mentally for the possibility of a longer stay. “We came up prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short. That’s what we do in human spaceflight. That’s what your nation’s human spaceflight programme is all about,” he said.

Suni, who has had a remarkable career in space, shared her bittersweet thoughts about this likely being her final space mission. “I think just the fact that we’re living up here, in this very unique place, gives you an amazing perspective,” she said. “I don’t want to lose that spark of inspiration when I leave, so I’m going to have to bottle it somehow.”

The return of Butch and Suni marks the end of a truly extraordinary mission that captured the world’s attention. Their perseverance, dedication to their work, and adaptability throughout this unplanned extension demonstrate the resilience of astronauts who push the boundaries of exploration for the advancement of science and humanity. Their story serves as a reminder of the challenges and rewards of space travel and the spirit of discovery that drives astronauts to achieve the seemingly impossible.