New Delhi, March 17, 2025 – Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is set to make her long-awaited return to Earth on March 18, 2025, after an extraordinary nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, along with fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, will splash down off the coast of Florida in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, marking the end of an unexpectedly extended mission that began in June 2024.
Originally planned as a short eight-day trip aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, the mission stretched into months due to technical glitches with the Starliner, which forced NASA to deem it unsafe for the return journey. The spacecraft returned to Earth uncrewed, leaving Williams and Wilmore to continue their work in orbit until a rescue mission could be arranged. The SpaceX Crew-10 mission, launched on March 15, finally paved the way for their homecoming, with the Crew Dragon scheduled to undock from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. Eastern Time (11:35 a.m. IST) on Tuesday and splash down at 5:57 p.m. Eastern Time (3:27 a.m. IST, Wednesday).
Williams, a celebrated figure in India and a source of national pride, has captivated audiences worldwide with her resilience and contributions to space research. During her extended stay, she conducted experiments, maintained the ISS, and even shared glimpses of her life in zero gravity, inspiring countless young Indians dreaming of the stars. Her cousin, Dinesh Rawal from Ahmedabad, expressed a mix of relief and concern, telling local media, “We’re thrilled she’s coming back, but we’re praying for her health after such a long time in space.”
The return, broadcast live by NASA, is eagerly anticipated across India, where Williams’ journey symbolizes determination and scientific excellence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently discussed her mission with podcast host Lex Fridman, is expected to extend a warm welcome, further highlighting her global impact. As the Crew Dragon plunges through Earth’s atmosphere, all eyes will be on this trailblazing astronaut, whose roots in Gujarat continue to resonate with millions back home.