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Last Updated:March 19, 2025, 11:16 IST
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: The Indian-origin US astronaut returned to Earth aboard SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after nine months of being stuck at the Space Station.
Sunita Williams returns to Earth (Photo: X/NASA)
Nasa Astronaut Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two veteran NASA astronauts who had been stuck on the Space Station for nine months, returned to Earth on Wednesday as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the Florida coast at 3.27 am IST.
The spacecraft covered a journey of nearly 17 hours to reach the Earth.
After a replacement crew arrived on the space station Saturday night, Wilmore, Williams, and two other astronauts undocked from the ISS at 1:05 am ET (0505 GMT) Tuesday to begin a 17-hour trip back to Earth.
Stay tuned with News18.com for the latest updates:
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: What Droupadi Murmu Said
President Of India Droupadi Murmu said, “Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA’s Crew 9 mission on Earth! India’s daughter Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit. Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!”
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Astronauts To Visit White House Soon, Donald Trump Says
US President Donald Trump said NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams will visit the White House once they regain their strength.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan On Sunita Williams' Return
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore created history and left an inspiring legacy in space exploration.
“Astronauts @Astro_Suni and Butch Wilmore of @NASA make history by returning home after a remarkable 9-month stay at the Space Station. Their extended mission, shaped by technical challenges, has left an inspiring legacy in space exploration. Wishing them good health and many more achievements ahead,” the CM said in his ‘X’ handle.
Sunita Williams LIVE Updates: ISRO Says, 'Welcome Back, Sunita Williams!'
ISRO said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement. A testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration! Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire space enthusiasts around the world. As Secretary DoS and Chairman ISRO, I on behalf of my colleagues extend a warm greetings to you and wish you a great day ahead. When Bharat under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi ji is working towards making India as a developed country, we wish to utilise your expertise in the space exploration.”
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: 'She's Not An Ordinary Person', Says Sunita Williams' Cousin
Following Sunita Williams’ return to Earth, her cousin Dinesh Rawal said, “We jumped with joy… God has listened to our prayers and brought our Suni back safely. She is not an ordinary person — she will change the world.”
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: What Sunita Williams' Sister Said
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ sister Falguni Pandya thanked God for making her wish come true as the astronaut returned to Earth safely after spending nine months in space.
Falguni Pandya said, “I am very grateful to God and very happy for Sunita’s homecoming. It was a long wait. There was no nervousness. It was pure joy. I prayed and made a vow that after everything goes well I will be at the temple and here I am.”
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Astronauts to Reunite with Families Soon, Says NASA
Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, said that the astronauts will now begin rehabilitation with medical teams. They will reunite with their families “in the next day or so,” marking a joyful close to their long journey, he said.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Astronauts to Reunite with Families Soon, Says NASA
Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, said that the astronauts will now begin rehabilitation with medical teams. They will reunite with their families “in the next day or so,” marking a joyful close to their long journey, he said.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Rajnath Singh Reacts On Sunita Williams' Return
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space.
Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud.
Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on earth.”
Watch: Sunita Williams' First Glimpse After Landing
Sunita Williams is finally back on Earth — and smiling. Watch her first glimpse
#WATCH | Being stranded at the Space Station for 9 months, Sunita Williams is back on Earth with a smile
Today, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 – astronauts Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, Sunita Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov returned to Earth after the… pic.twitter.com/mdZIQTG4SN
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
'Promise Made, Promise Kept': White House On NASA Astronauts' Return To Earth; Trump Shares Video
The White House welcomed the astronauts back on Earth and said President Donald Trump vowed to rescue those stuck in space for nine months and he delivered on his promise. Read here
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: 'Moment Of Glory', Says Union Minister
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh described the return of Sunita Williams back to Earth as a “moment of glory, pride and relief”.
“The whole world comes together to celebrate the safe return of this illustrious daughter of India who has instantly gone down in the history for the courage, conviction and consistency with which she endured the uncertainties of Space,” he posted on X.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Locals In Sunita Williams' Native Village Burst Crackers In Joy Of Her Return To Earth
The people burst crackers in Jhulasan – the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams – after she successfully returned to Earth aboard SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Dragon splashed down at Tallahassee, Florida.
#WATCH | Mehsana, Gujarat | People express joy and burst firecrackers in Jhulasan – the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams after the successful Splashdown of SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Crew-9 at Tallahassee, Florida
NASA’s astronauts Sunita Williams and… pic.twitter.com/fKs9EVnPSf
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Sunita Williams Sets Foot Back On Earth After Nine Months
Sunita Williams set her foot back on Earth after nine months as she walked out of the SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft on Wednesday. She was recovered on the recovery vessel which carried the Dragon. She was helped out by the officials due to the Earth’s gravity as she had been living in microgravity of space for nine months.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Sunita Williams To Be Recovered From Spacecraft Shortly
Sunita Williams will walk out of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in a few moments from now.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: 'Promise Made, Promise Kept', Says White House
The White House welcomed the astronauts who were stuck at the Space Station for nine months and said that President Donald Trump made the promise to rescue them and he kept the promise.
“PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months,” the White House posted on X.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Dragon Lifted Out Of Water
Dragon Freedom was lifted out of the water on to the recovery vessel.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Astronauts To Be Extracted Shortly
The astronauts will be assisted out of the Dragon spacecraft shortly.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Recovery Operations Start
The SpaceX recovery teams reached the site where the Dragon spacecraft splashed down on Wednesday. The vehicle will soon be lifted on the recovery vehicle.
The Dragon splashed down at 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Safety Checks Of Spacecraft Underway
The authorities are conducting the safety checks of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft which splashed down off the Florida coast at 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Who All Returned Aboard Dragon?
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Willmore, Nick Hague, and Russian Cosmonaut were aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft which splashed down offthe Florida coast on Wednesday (IST).
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: NASA Astronaut Completes Homecoming
Sunita Williams returned to Earth after nine months as the Dragon splashed down off the Florida coast at 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: First Pictures Out Of Dragon Arriving On Earth
NASA aired the first pictures of SpaceX Dragon spacecraft arriving on the Earth, ferrying Sunita Williams and other astronauts.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Signal Lost
The signal between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and SpaceX Mission Control has now lost as it entered the Earth’s atmosphere. The signal will be regained in seven minutes, as per NASA.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Spacecraft Enters Earth Atmosphere, Communication Blackout Next
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has entered the atmosphere of Earth. The loss of signal will be followed next due to the build-up of plasma. However, SpaceX will regain the signal as the Dragon clears re-entry. Freedom is flying autonomously.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: SpaceX Dragon To Re-Enter Earth Atmosphere Shortly
SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is all set to enter the Earth’s atmosphere shortly. It is currently autonomously navigating above Earth, aligning itself for a splashdown off the coast of Florida at 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Nose Cone Closed, NASA Confirms
The deorbit burn was completed successfully. SpaceX has now closed the nose cone which has remained open since the Dragon spacecraft docked with the ISS. Once closed, the Dragon will begin re-entry into the atmosphere of the Earth.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Splashdown To Go As Scheduled As Weather Conditions Normal
According to NASA, the weather conditions are favourable at the moment, and the splashdown site in the Gulf of America near Florida has been given a go-ahead for the landing.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Dragon To Enter Earth's Atmosphere Shortly
SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is set to enter the atmosphere of the Earth shortly as the countdown for splashdown is underway. The landing is set for 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Dragon's Trunk Jettisoned
SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has been jettisoned successfully and the deorbit burn will begin soon, Elon Musk’s SpaceX informed.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft Flying Autonomously Now
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is operating autonomously, isolating the thermal control system from the radiator to maintain a cool internal temperature during its intense reentry. It is now preparing for trunk separation.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Less Than An Hour To Go For Splashdown
Less than an hour remains now for the splashdown of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the returning astronauts. The touchdown is scheduled for 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Leak Checks Of Spacesuits Performed
The returning astronauts have completed the leak checks on their spacesuits as they prepare to re-enter the atmosphere of the Earth after several months.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: NASA Begins Its Splashdown Coverage As Countdown Begins For Astronaut's Return
NASA began its splashdown coverage at 2.15 am as the countdown began for the return of the astronauts on Wednesday IST.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: NASA Live Coverage To Resume At 2.15 AM
NASA said that it would begin its live coverage of the splashdown and the preceding events at 2.15 am. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft would perform a de-orbital burn at 2.41 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: SpaceX Dragon Jettisons Excess Fuel Ahead Of Reentry To Earth Atmosphere
The SpaceX crew Dragon has executed a burn to discard excess propellant in preparation for its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: SpaceX Dragon Readies Itself To Re-enter Earth Atmosphere
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is readying itself to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The Dragon, carrying four astronauts, would splashdown off the Florida coast at 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: How Many Days Has NASA Astronaut Lived In Space?
Indian-origin US astroanut Sunita Williams has spent a total of 609 days in total in space. She undertook 3 missions to spend these days in the space.
Russia’s Oleg Kononenko spent 1,110 days in a total of 5 missions.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: What Did Sunita Williams Do In Space?
During their unexpected extended stay at the Space Station, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore made significant contributions to scientific research as they carried out more than 150 experiments, enhancing the human understanding of several fields.
Williams conducted two key spacewalks in January to fix a telescope outside the ISS.
They engaged themselves in Space Station operations as they swiftly adapted to life in zero gravity.
Sunita Williams Return LIVE Updates: Weather Clear For Splashdown
The weather off the Florida coast where SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is set to splashdown as part of its water landing is clear for now, according to the reports. NASA and SpaceX are constantly monitoring the weather situation in the area.
The spacecraft is set to land at 3.27 am IST on Wednesday.
