Watch the moment: Sunita Williams's emotional exit from SpaceX capsule
What's the story
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has successfully and safely returned to Earth today, concluding her 286-day-long mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The extended mission, which faced challenges due to issues with the Boeing Starliner, came to an end with Williams emerging from SpaceX's Dragon capsule and stepping onto the recovery ship. A video of the moment captures her beaming smile as she came back to Earth, providing a moment of relief and celebration for both NASA and the public.
Twitter Post
William's first reaction after exiting Dragon
After 286 days in space, @Astro_Suni is finally home. 👏 pic.twitter.com/4GjNSDVCKb
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 18, 2025
Splashdown
Williams's capsule splashdown welcomed by dolphins
Williams's return was highlighted by a smooth splashdown off the Florida coast, with fellow astronauts Butch Wilmore Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov The occasion was further made special when a pod of dolphins were spotted gliding around the floating spacecraft. This surprise visit by the marine creatures added an extra touch to their triumphant return to Earth after a long space mission.
Twitter Post
Watch: Dolphins 'welcome' Crew-9 astronauts
There are a bunch of dolphins swimming around SpaceX's Dragon capsule. They want to say hi to the Astronauts too! lol pic.twitter.com/sE9bVhgIi1
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) March 18, 2025
Celebration
White House celebrates astronauts' safe return
The White House took to X to celebrate the safe return of Williams and Wilmore, crediting President Donald Trump for expediting their rescue. "PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT," read the statement, acknowledging Trump's intervention along with efforts from Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA. The spacecraft's journey through space ended with a parachute-assisted splashdown off the Florida coast at 3:27am IST.
Twitter Post
Take a look at White House's official post
PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 18, 2025
Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @NASA! pic.twitter.com/r01hVWAC8S
Extension
Williams and Wilmore's extended stay in space
Williams and Wilmore had initially planned to spend eight days in space, but their stay was extended to over nine months due to a propulsion system issue with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. NASA decided in August that they would return on a SpaceX capsule instead of their original spacecraft. This decision led to an international media frenzy, dubbing them as "stranded" astronauts.