NASA Sunita Williams SpaceX Crew-9 Return LIVE Updates: PM Modi, ISRO chief, political leaders hail Sunita Williams’ return after SpaceX rescue mission

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are back on Earth after an unplanned nine-month stay in space. Their Crew 9 Dragon Spacecraft splashed down safely off the coast of Florida early on Wednesday morning.

The space mission, initially designed as a short-term test of Boeing’s Starliner, got extended as Helium leaks and thruster malfunctions in the spacecraft rendered their return trip risky. NASA made the difficult decision to keep Williams, Wilmore and two other astronauts Don Pettit and Nick Hague, aboard the ISS indefinitely while engineers assessed the situation.

Now that the astronauts have returned after their extended stay at International Space Station (ISS), let’s have a look at how they spent these nine months away from the glitz and colours of earth — the only planet in our solar system known to support life.

Helping in space mission

Throughout their time in space, Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 62, kept on providing support in the ongoing space missions at the station. According to BBC, their tasks included repairing equipment that helms the station orientation, replacing a reflector device on an international docking adapter, and adding light filters on the NICER X-ray telescope.

Two spacewalks

It is in the mid-January that Williams ventured outside the ISS for the first time in the nine months. Along with fellow astronaut Hague, she performed some repairs on the craft. She again went out with Wilmore later that month. With this, Williams surpassed former astronaut Peggy Whitson’s total spacewalking time of 60 hours and 21 minutes on January 30.

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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore made their way back to Earth on Tuesday with the Crew-9 spacecraft in a rescue mission carried out by SpaceX. After their return to Earth, both the NASA astronauts will undergo a 45-day rehabilitation programme to maintain their health and get used to the Earth’s gravity.

The rehabilitation programme, which aims at the post-flight reconditioning of astronauts and scientists, starts on the day of landing and continues for over six weeks. Under this programme, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will undergo medical tests and physical therapy for two hours every day, seven days a week.

All about the 45-day rehabilitation programme:

The Astronaut Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation (ASCR) is in charge of the physical training and therapy of astronauts pre-flight, mid-flight and post-flight. Their programmes are build to recondition astronauts to the Earth’s gravity through a range of physical exercises and practices.

The 45-day rehabilitation programme is prepared in three phases. Phase 1 focuses on ambulation, flexibility and muscle strengthening, mainly through low intensity physical exercised and light physical therapy.

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The film fraternity is celebrating astronaut Sunita Williams's safe return to Earth after an intense space mission.

Celebrities took to their social media handles to express their joy at the safe return of Sunita Williams.

Shilpa Shetty posted a video on Instagram Story and wrote, "Prayers answered finally...So happy you are safe, back home and smiling."

Anupam Kher also posted a picture on Instagram of Sunita Williams. "Welcome home dearest #sunitawilliams. Iss Dharti pr hamesha aapka swagat hai. Aap mahan hai. Jai ho!"

Karisma Kapoor celebrated the moment by dropping a video on Instagram Story with white heart and clap emojis.

Anil Kapoor took a moment to welcome back Sunita Williams on Earth. He penned an adorable note, "And the stars have finally descended on Earth!"

- ANI

The Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday congratulated NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return to the earth after spending more than nine months in a space station.

Speaker U T Khader read out a resolution hailing Williams and Butch Wilmore on landing in Earth safely. He said Williams had undertaken spacewalk nine times.

NASA astronauts returned to Earth on Tuesday after nine months' stay in the space station. Their eight-day journey in the space stretched to nine months due to glitch in their Boeing space craft.

A former US Navy captain, Williams, 59, was born to a Gujarati father, Deepak Pandya, hailing from Jhulasan in Mehsana district, and Slovenian mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, on September 19, 1965 in Euclid, Ohio.

- PTI

After NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth on SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon spacecraft on Tuesday, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk congratulated SpaceX and NASA on the safe return of the astronauts.

While sharing the splashdown video of the Dragon capsule, Musk said "Congratulations to the SpaceX and NASA teams for another safe astronaut return! Thank you to President Donald Trump for prioritizing this mission!"

Students at Karnal's Tagore Baal Niketan joined the millions in taking an ecstatic sigh of relief on Wednesday as Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth after 286 days of being stranded in space. The same school gave the world a brilliant astronaut in Kalpana Chawla, who was the first woman of India-origin to go in space.

First Indian to do so was Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Russian spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in 1984. Born in Karnal in 1962, Chawla died on February 1, 2003, when Columbia spacecraft disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana, killing all seven astronauts aboard, including her.

Chawla completed her schooling from Tagore Baal Niketan and went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh in 1982. She moved to the United States the same year.

The School, in existence for more than six decades, has dedicated an auditorium in her memory. Its principal, Dr Rajan Lamba said, "Everyone was happy and relieved at the safe return of Sunita William and fellow astronauts…Due to ongoing school Board exams, we could not hold celebrations in the school, but everyone was happy including students, teachers."

He said the memories of the Columbia Space Shuttle are still fresh in his mind as he recounted a series of a missives exchanged between the school's founder and Chawla before she departed for her mission.

- PTI

In a post on X, Mahindra Group's Chairman Anand Mahindra recalled his earlier meeting with NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and called her "courage personified" as he welcomed her and her colleagues back to Earth.

In the X post, Mahindra stated "When the SpaceX recue mission was launched, I recalled this chance encounter almost two years ago with Sunita Williams in Washington. It was an enormous relief to see her and her colleagues’ successful splashdown back on earth a few hours ago. She is courage personified and it’s good to have her back amongst us. Swagatam, Sunita."

In a post on social media platform X, actor Chiranjeevi hailed the return of astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth and called their return as both "historic" and "heroic".

"WELCOME BACK TO EARTH. Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore!! HISTORIC & HEROIC ‘HOME' COMING!!! Went for 8 Days to Space & Returned after 286 Days, after an Astonishing 4577 orbits around earth!"

Actor Madhavan shared a video of Williams coming out of the SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon capsule and said the prayers of the whole world have been answered.

"After more than 260 uncertain days in space this is all Gods grace and millions of praying souls prayers being answered .. Great Job all at #spacexfalcon9 #nasa AND the entire crew. God bless you," Madhavan said.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has extended its warm welcome to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams upon her successful return to Earth after spending over nine months in the International Space Station (ISS).

ISRO termed Sunita Williams' extended stay in the space as a "remarkable achievement". As per PTI, ISRO said "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."

Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan praised NASA's public-private partnership with SpaceX to bring back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from space after 286 days.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined celebrities, politicians, scientists and others on Wednesday to celebrate the return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth after nine months, terming her an inspiration for generations to come and lauding her determination.

NASA astronauts Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov returned early Wednesday on board SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the sea off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

For Williams and Wilmore, test pilots for Boeing's new Starliner capsule, an eight-day mission stretched to more than nine months as a series of helium leaks and thruster failures deemed their spacecraft unsafe. The spacecraft returned without them in September.

The president said in a post on X that India's daughter and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit.

"Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA's Crew 9 mission on Earth! Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!" she said.

The prime minister said in his post that it had been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit for the astronauts.

"Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions. Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality...Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career...," he said.

- PTI

The Haryana Assembly on Wednesday expressed happiness at safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members to Earth after a prolonged mission to the International Space Station.

During the ongoing budget session, Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij moved a resolution saying Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members had returned to Earth after a prolonged mission and said that the Assembly should express its happiness over their safe return. (PTI)

The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth after a prolonged mission to the International Space Station and said her remarkable resilience serves as a profound inspiration to space enthusiasts worldwide.

NASA astronauts Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth early Wednesday onboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the sea off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

For Williams and Wilmore, test pilots for Boeing's new Starliner capsule, an eight-day mission stretched to more than nine months as a series of helium leaks and thruster failures deemed their spacecraft unsafe. The spacecraft returned without them in September last year.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "Welcome back to Earth, Sunita Williams! On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend our warmest felicitations and heartfelt good wishes upon your safe and successful return with NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore." "The safe conclusion of your extended mission has brought a sense of relief and elation to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, who are immensely proud of your accomplishments," he said.

"Your remarkable resilience and outstanding commitment serve as a profound inspiration to space enthusiasts worldwide and is a testament to human accomplishments," the Congress president said. (PTI)

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday applauded Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' resilience and congratulated her on her safe return to Earth after an extended space mission.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Tuesday.

"Glad to see astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore return safely to earth. Their journey back shows exemplary human determination and teamwork," Naidu stated in a post on 'X'. (PTI)

Industrialist Anand Mahindra on Wednesday said it was an "enormous relief" to see Sunita Williams land back safely on earth while recalling a chance meeting with the American astronaut in Washington two years ago.

"When the SpaceX rescue mission was launched, I recalled this chance encounter almost two years ago with @Astro_Suni in Washington," Mahindra posted on X.

It was an enormous relief to see her and her colleagues' successful splashdown back on earth a few hours ago, he added.

"She is courage personified and it's good to have her back amongst us...Swagatam, Sunita..." Mahindra wrote.

The Mahindra group chairman also tagged his earlier post of June 25, 2023 with a picture of himself, Mukesh Ambani and Vrinda Kapoor with Williams. (PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday congratulated the entire team behind the safe return of "India's daughter" Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts to Earth, saying they 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!," Murmu said in a post on X.

"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," Murmu said. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Welcome back, #crew9! The Earth missed you. Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and the #crew9 astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means. Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions."

Welcoming back the two veteran NASA astronauts, PM Narendra Modi said, "We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity."

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is among the top searches on Google Trends after her safe return to Earth alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' return to earth at the conclusion of the scientific mission to the space station was more than a homecoming. It was a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi said on Wednesday.

Welcoming Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their successful mission, the Governor said months in the unforgiving expanse of space tested the limits of endurance, adaptability and resolve. "Yet you conquered every challenge with unwavering determination and resilience," Ravi said.

In a post on the official handle of the Raj Bhavan, the Governor said: "Your return is more than a homecoming; it is a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement. May your journey ahead open new frontiers and inspire future explorers to push the boundaries of the cosmos." (PTI)

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Wednesday said astronaut Sunita Williams' safe return was a remarkable achievement and a testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA's commitment to space exploration.

He also said India would wish to utilise her expertise in space exploration.

"Welcome back, Sunita Williams! 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!" ISRO shared Narayanan's message on 'X'.

He said Williams' 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," Narayanan said.

"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," he added. (PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his pride and admiration for NASA's Space Crew-9 mission, celebrating the safe return of astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members.

Taking on social media platform X, Singh lauded the astronauts' resilience and hailed their achievement as a milestone in human space exploration.

"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," Singh wrote on X.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary congratulates Sunita Williams on her grand return

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to undergo a 45-day rehabilitation headed by Astronaut Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists. The first few phases of this rehabilitation program will focus on ambulation, flexibility, muscle strengthening, exercise and cardiovascular conditioning.

Buzz Aldrin, NASA astronaut who walked on the Moon, posted on X, " Congratulations to @SpaceX for bringing back @NASA Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams following their unexpected, extended mission aboard the @Space_Station! These astronauts’ steady poise and professionalism over the last several months are to be commended. We’re glad to have you home!"

People in Jhulasan, the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, celebrated her safe return to Earth on Wednesday by performing aarti and offering prayers after she spent nearly nine months in space.

The celebrations began after the successful splashdown of the Dragon spacecraft, which brought Williams back to Earth along with Crew-9 members Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Earlier, the NASA astronaut's cousin, Dinesh Rawal, organized a 'Yagna' in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to pray for her safe return.

The White House on Tuesday (local time) highlighted how US President Donald Trump prioritised the return of stranded NASA Crew-9 astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The White House stated that the astronauts safely returned in the Gulf of America, crediting Elon Musk for their safe return.

"PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA!" the White House posted on X.

After spending an extended stay in space for over nine months, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore finally returned to Earth safely and their SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon spacecraft splashdown off the Florida coast.

The 286-day ordeal of Williams and Wilmore, who were stuck in the International Space Station (ISS) after their space expedition witnessed technical faults in the Boeing Starliner, came to an end as Dragon spacecraft splashdown successfully in the ocean off the Florida coast at about 3:30am IST.

In a post on X, SpaceX confirmed the splashdown and posted “Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks!”

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NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who returned to Earth after spending over nine months in space due to a technical issue in Boeing Starliner, waved and smiled after she was taken out of the SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon capsule, post a successful splashdown off the Florida coast.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, Commander Nick Hague have now exited the SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon spacecraft after a successful splashdown off the coast of Florida at 2:57pm.

Williams and Wilmore have returned to Earth after getting stuck for more than nine months in space due to a technical issue in the Boeing Starliner.

The SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon spacecraft, which landed safely on Earth in a splashdown off the Florida coast, has been lifted from the water and safety maneuvers are being carried out before astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore can exit it.

SpaceX Crew 9 Dragon capsule splashdown off the Florida coast at 2:57pm ET and it got surrounded by Dolphins. The spacecraft is carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore who had been stuck in space for last nine months.