NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Return to Earth Highlights: NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have received a warm welcome from the corners of the world for their safe return to the home planet. While world leaders are busy congratulating them with heartfelt letters, people have flooded social media with posts that celebrate their return. The NASA astronauts finally returned home on Wednesday morning IST, after a nine-month long stay at the International Space Station (ISS).
PM Narendra Modi shared a post on X, expressing his joy at the safe return of Space X Crew-9, saying that the Earth had missed them. He praised their journey as a true test of resilience, courage, and the limitless human spirit. He highlighted how Sunita Williams and the Crew9 astronauts have once again demonstrated the meaning of perseverance. Their determination, despite the vast unknown, will continue to inspire millions. The PM further added that space exploration is about pushing the boundaries of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to make those dreams a reality. He acknowledged Sunita Williams as a trailblazer and icon who has consistently embodied this spirit throughout her career.
Sunita Williams splashdown on Earth: How did it happen?
Williams and Wilmore originally travelled to space aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5 last year, but returned this morning aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The return capsule deployed its parachutes before safely splashing down in the ocean off Florida’s coast. The two astronauts were joined by NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov for the 17-hour journey back to Earth.
The spacecraft initiated a deorbit burn — a maneuver where engines are fired in the direction of travel to reduce speed — at 2:41 am, followed by splashdown at 3:27 am. Crew-9 had undocked from the space station earlier at 10:35 am IST, with NASA releasing footage of the spacecraft separating from the ISS.
Sunita Williams Highlights: NASA Astronauts return to Earth, PM Modi wishes SpaceX Crew 9 - Check Full Coverage Here
Sunita Williams Return Live: Williams takes symbols of her roots along
Former US Navy captain Sunita Williams, 59, was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, to a Gujarati father, Deepak Pandya, originally from Jhulasan in Mehsana district, and a Slovenian mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya. Proud of her multicultural heritage, Williams has taken symbols of her roots to space on previous missions, including samosas, a Slovenian flag, and a Ganesha idol. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed her upon her return to Earth after an unexpected 286-day stay at the International Space Station, praising her as a "trailblazer and an icon."
Sunita Williams Return Live: BJD chief Naveen Patnaik welcomes Sunital Williams
"Greatly relieved to know that NASA’s #crew9 has safely returned to Earth with India’s daughter #sunitawilliams and fellow astronaut #butchwilmore after spending more than nine months on the International Space Station. Your fortitude and remarkable grit in the face of uncertainty in outer space is a victory of human spirit. Your historic sojourn will continue to inspire millions," posts BJD chief Naveen Patnaik.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed delight over the return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members and said they have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space. "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," Singh wrote in a post on X.
Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world, he 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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 19, 2025
Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude…
Sunita Williams Return Live: 'We absolutely offered to bring the astronauts back earlier'- Elon Musk clarifies
During the Fox News interview, Musk was questioned about the political factors contributing to the delayed return of the astronauts, prompting Musk to clarify his interactions with the previous Biden administration. "We absolutely offered to bring the astronauts back earlier, there's no doubt about that," Musk explained.
"The mission was originally planned for just eight days, but they ended up staying for nearly ten months, which clearly doesn't make sense. SpaceX could have returned them after a few months, and we made that offer to the Biden administration. However, it was declined for political reasons, and that's simply the reality."
Sunita Williams Return Live: Elon Musk extends his congratulations
Elon Musk extended his congratulations to SpaceX and NASA after the successful return of two astronauts who had been at the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly nine months.
"Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between the SpaceX and NASA teams, the astronauts have returned safely. Congratulations to both teams for a job well done," Musk told Fox News .
As the founder of SpaceX and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk also expressed his gratitude to former President Donald Trump for prioritizing and accelerating the mission's return efforts.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Sunita's village erupted in celebration
Residents of Jhulasan, a village in Gujarat's Mehsana district and the ancestral home of astronaut Sunita Williams, erupted in celebration on Wednesday following her safe return from space. The joyous occasion was marked by fireworks, the distribution of sweets, dancing, and prayers offered to the village deity.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended his congratulations on social media, referring to Williams as "our very own" and expressing pride in her connection to India. He praised her as a symbol of shared heritage and aspirations for the country.
The village had organized a ‘yagna’ earlier, praying for Williams' safe return. Residents expressed their immense happiness and shared their hope of seeing her visit Jhulasan soon, inspiring young students who look up to her achievements with admiration and curiosity.
Sunita Williams Return Live: West Bengal BJP MLAs congratulate Sunita Williams
West Bengal BJP MLAs gathered on Wednesday to congratulate NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return to Earth after spending nine months in space. The legislators assembled on the Assembly premises, holding placards to celebrate Williams’ achievement. Led by party chief whip Shankar Ghosh, the group came together after the first half of the Assembly session concluded. Around 30 BJP legislators stood at the entrance, each holding a picture of Williams with the messages "Abhinandan Sunita Williams" and "Bharater Kanya" (India's Daughter) written below.
Ghosh stated that he had requested Speaker Biman Banerjee to allow the Assembly to pass a unanimous resolution in honor of Williams. The Speaker responded that any decision on the matter would be made once Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the House, was present."We are all proud of her (Williams') accomplishment and the Chief Minister has already shared her congratulations on X," Biman Banerjee added.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Chandrababu Naidu praises Sunita Williams
N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh praised Sunita Williams for her resilience and congratulated the Indian-origin NASA astronaut on her safe return to Earth after an extended space mission.
“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.
Sunita Williams Return Live: WB CM Mamata Banerjee praises Sunita Williams
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was all praised for Sunita Williams and the other NASA astronauts who returned safely to Earth on Wednesday morning IST. She called Williams as the "daughter of India" and expressed great happiness for the astronauts' safe return. Banerjee also celebrated their courage and the remarkable achievement of their journey, sharing her joy for all the astronauts returning home.
Sunita Williams Return Live: How many people were watching NASA's live feed?
According to New York POst, over 2 million people were watching SpaceX's live coverage of the NASA astronauts return to earth. Dragon Freedom's hatch was opened about 40 minutes after it landed in the Gulf.
Sunita Williams Return Live: President Murmu praises NASA for Williams' safe return
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated NASA for the safe return of "India's daughter" Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts. She praised their perseverance, dedication, and strong spirit, saying they have inspired everyone.
Sunita Williams Return Live: What did Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore eat in space?
According to a specialist, cited by the New York Post, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore had access to various foods like breakfast cereals with powdered milk, tuna, pizza, roast chicken, and shrimp cocktails. The report also mentioned that the astronauts' food, especially meat and eggs, is cooked on Earth and only needs to be reheated in space. Additionally, the water needed for dehydrated soups, stews, and casseroles comes from the fresh water tank at the ISS.
Sunita Williams Return Live: 'Swagatam Sunita,' says Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra on Wednesday expressed "enormous relief" upon seeing safe arrival of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. He also reminisced his last meeting with her which happened by chance in Washington two years ago. Mahindra referred to Williams as "courage personified" and said that it was good to have her back. "Swagatam, Sunita.." he wrote on X.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Sudha Murthy, Ravi Kishan ecstatic on Williams' return
Many celebrities and political leaders have been reacting to Sunita Williams's return to Earth. Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy said that she feels extremely happy on NASA astronauts' return. "A daughter has come back home," she said.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan also welcomed Williams and called her "pride of India." He further added that he felt great joy on seeing the astronauts land on earth and that all the kids studying space should have a lot to learn from her.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Former Delhi chief minister Atishi praises NASA astronauts
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi expressed that after an incredible 9-month journey in space, the astronauts' courage, dedication, and pioneering spirit continue to inspire millions. She noted that the world is celebrating their safe return and eagerly anticipates the knowledge and inspiration they will share. She added that moments like these ignite dreams across generations, encouraging everyone to reach for the stars, and warmly welcomed them home.
Sunita Williams Return Live: PM Modi welcomes Sunita Williams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore in a post on X. Here's what he posted
Welcome back, #crew9! The Earth missed you.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/FkgagekJ7C
Sunita Williams Return Live: Did you know Sunita Williams was in Navy?
Sunita Williams became a naval aviator in 1989 and worked at Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was deployed to the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf. During her time in these missions, she helped transport troops and deliver humanitarian aid. Her strong leadership and ability to work well under tough conditions helped her move toward becoming an astronaut.
Sunita Williams Return Live: ‘World Awaits the Inspiration You Bring,” says Atishi
AAP leader Atishi hailed Sunita Williams’ return from space, saying the world celebrates her safe homecoming and eagerly awaits the inspiration she brings. She praised Williams' courage, dedication, and pioneering spirit, calling her a beacon for millions across the globe.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Body Struggles to Rebalance
According to the Baylor College of Medicine, astronauts are often placed in chairs upon landing due to balance issues. Their bodies must re-adapt to gravity, often taking weeks to walk and move steadily again.
Sunita Williams Return Live: ISRO Chief Hails Sunita Williams' Return
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan praised astronaut Sunita Williams' safe return from space as a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment of NASA, SpaceX, and the USA in advancing space exploration.
He expressed India’s interest in utilising her expertise as the country pursues its space ambitions under PM Modi’s leadership. “Welcome back, Sunita Williams! Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable achievement,” ISRO posted on X, sharing Narayanan’s message.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Baby Feet and Blurred Vision
Astronauts report several strange side effects post-mission—difficulty in walking, blurred vision, and a condition called “baby feet,” where the skin on the soles becomes soft and tender from disuse in space.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Williams & Wilmore to Visit White House, Says Trump
Former President Donald Trump announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will visit the White House once they regain strength.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Life After Weightlessness - The Harsh Reality
Watching astronauts float around in space may seem fun, but gravity-free life takes a serious toll on the human body. When astronauts return to Earth, they often experience dizziness, nausea, and an unsteady walk due to the sudden shift back to Earth’s gravity.
Sunita Williams Return Live: ‘She Will Change the World,’ Says Sunita Williams’ Cousin
Following Sunita Williams’ return to Earth, her cousin Dinesh Rawal shared his emotions: “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.”
ANI
Sunita Williams Return Live: Rajnath Singh on Sunita Williams Home Coming
'Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s #crew9'
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 19, 2025
Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude…
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are back on Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the ISS. Originally planned as an eight-day mission, their return was delayed due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Dolphins Welcome NASA Astronauts Home in the Gulf
In a touching moment after splashdown, dolphins were seen surrounding the Dragon capsule — as if nature itself joined in the celebration.
Dolphins were in the gulf to welcome the NASA astronauts home after being rescued.
— primalkey (@primalkey) March 18, 2025
Congratulations Elon for bringing back the Astronauts ! pic.twitter.com/bg8AN5FTOg
Sunita Williams Return Live: Testing and Evaluation Will Shape Starliner’s Future, says NASA
NASA officials stated, “We have gathered extensive feedback and have time until summer to evaluate our next steps.” An uncrewed flight remains a possibility, with the focus now on data analysis, testing, and informed decision-making in the coming months.
Sunita Williams Return Live: Sunita Williams First Glimpse After Landing
WATCH | After an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station, Sunita Williams is finally back on Earth — and smiling.
#watch | Being stranded at the International Space Station for 9 months, Sunita Williams is back on Earth with a smile
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2025
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
Sunita Williams Return Live: NASA Confirms Boeing’s Continued Commitment to Starliner
When asked about Starliner’s future, NASA’s Steve Stich affirmed Boeing’s dedication to the program. “Boeing all the way up to their new CEO Kelly has been committed to Starliner,” he said, referencing Kelly Ortberg, who became CEO last summer.