After nine months of being stuck in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth.
In early evening a few hours after leaving the International Space Station, the SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tallahassee, FL.
At the beginning of this launch, the two astronauts expected to be gone for a week. Boeing’s new Starliner crew capsule launched on June 5, and they had multiple complications in space, which caused them to come back to Earth in February.
The SpaceX capsule acquired more issues, delaying the landing for another month. Their time in space lasted 286 days, while their original plan was to spend only 10 days. They circled the earth 4,576 times and traveled 121 million miles.
Wilmore said in an interview, “Returning from space to Earth, through the atmosphere, inside a 3000-degree fireball of plasma, is weird. Regardless of how you look at it.”
The whole capsule was shaking on the way down and it reportedly felt like it would fall apart. The parachutes opened and eased the return to Earth.
Adapting to being back on Earth was difficult. Williams stated in the same interview, “It’s pretty much a miracle to see how your human body can adapt.”
Upon returning, the astronauts were wobbly at first, but within the following 24 hours, their bodies started to get used to it again. The neuro vestibular system kicked in and their agility and strength was restored.
During their time on the International Space Station, Wilmore and Williams transitioned quickly to full-fledged crew members rather than guests.
They conducted experiments, fixed equipment and spacewalked together.
Over the nine spacewalks, they put in 62 hours, which caused Williams to set the record of the most time spent spacewalking over a career among female astronauts.
After only three months, Williams also became the station’s commander and held that post until her return to Earth.
Both Wilmore and Williams are retired Navy captains, so there was not much stress about being gone for a while since it reminded them of their military days.
Over the past few months, people have been praying for the two astronauts. Across 21 Hindu temples in the U.S. prayers have been lifted, as Williams has spoken about her Indian and Slovenian heritage.
There were also prayers from Wilmore’s Baptist church in Houston, where he serves as an elder.
Wilmore and Williams have been back on Earth for weeks, and they are on their way home.
When the side hatch of their capsule was opened up, they were helped out while waving and smiling, with Wilmore giving two thumbs-up.
This expedition has given a new meaning to the phrase “stuck at work” and the names “Butch and Suni” have become household names.
Their mission lasted longer than they ever could have imagined, but it is happy times now that they are back.
Upon arrival, SpaceX Mission Control radioed in, “On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home.”
