NASA astronauts return to earth after extended ISS mission, splash down safely aboard SpaceX Dragon

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebenkin, are back on solid ground after spending months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their return aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon marked another smooth touchdown for the Commercial Crew Program.

“Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks!,” SpaceX said in a post on X.

Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks! pic.twitter.com/M4RZ6UYsQ2

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 18, 2025

An Unexpectedly Long Stay

Williams and Wilmore initially launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner in June 2024 for what was meant to be a short test mission. That plan quickly changed when technical issues left them on the ISS far longer than expected. Instead of an eight-day stint, their mission stretched into months, blending into regular station operations while engineers worked on a solution.

The extended stay allowed them to take part in a variety of research projects and maintenance work, proving yet again that astronauts are always ready to adapt.

A Smooth Return with SpaceX

NASA opted to bring the crew back on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, a move that highlights the importance of having multiple transportation options for astronauts. The spacecraft, named Freedom, undocked from the ISS at 1:05 a.m. ET, gliding through Earth’s atmosphere before making a gentle parachute-assisted splashdown off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“Welcome back to Earth,” came the call from mission control as recovery crews moved in. “What a ride,” said Nick Hague after landing. “I see a capsule full of grins, ear to ear.”

What Comes Next

After initial medical checks, the crew will return to NASA’s facilities for post-mission assessments and a well-earned break. Meanwhile, Boeing continues to work on fixing Starliner’s issues, aiming for a return to spaceflight readiness.

For now, the spotlight is on the astronauts who handled an unexpected extension with patience and professionalism. Their mission may not have gone as planned, but it’s another reminder that space travel always comes with surprises.

Welcome home, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks!