Read about Sunita Williams’ return after her extended stay in space, the challenges faced, and PM Modi’s letter congratulating her. Get all the details here.
Sunita Williams Smiles, Waves as She Returns Home After 286 Days in Space
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have safely returned home after what was intended to be an eight-day mission extended to a remarkable nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially launching aboard a Boeing Starliner on June 5 last year, their return journey culminated this morning with a splashdown of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft off the coast of Florida.
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A Challenging Return Journey
After a prolonged stay in space, marked by unforeseen challenges, including propulsion issues with the Starliner capsule, Williams and Wilmore were reassigned to SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. The Dragon spacecraft, carrying the duo along with NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, completed their journey home with a splashdown at 3:27 am following a deorbit burn at 2:41 am.
Warm Welcome and Challenges Ahead
As the NASA team opened the hatch, Sunita Williams was seen waving and flashing thumbs-up signs, embodying the spirit of a triumphant return. However, their extended stay comes with anticipated physiological challenges such as bone and muscle deterioration, radiation exposure, and vision impairment, typical after long-term space missions.
PM Modi’s Letter and Global Recognition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently penned a letter to Sunita Williams, expressing admiration for her dedication and accomplishments. In the letter dated March 1, PM Modi highlighted India’s pride in Williams’ achievements and commended her inspirational fortitude during her extended space mission.
The successful return of Crew-9, managed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, marks a significant achievement in space exploration, underscoring international collaboration and perseverance in overcoming unforeseen challenges.
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Last Updated on: Sunday, June 8, 2025 9:52 am by News Centre24 Team | Published by: News Centre24 Team on March 19, 2025 9:05 am | News Categories: News
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