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Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return to Earth: How NASA plans to bring them back safely, insights from SAC Director

TOI Science Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 18, 2025, 11:51 IST
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Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth after nine months aboard the ISS. Nilesh M. Desai, Director of the SAC, explains that only NASA’s crew missions, sent every six months, are equipped for astronaut returns. The upcoming docking of Crew-10 will enable Crew-9 to complete their mission and bring the astronauts back.
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Aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are returning to Earth as the Crew-9 mission comes to an end. Recently, Nilesh M. Desai, Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), has shared the process by which astronauts return safely to Earth after spending their time in space. Although NASA makes routine cargo deliveries to the ISS, provisions for returning astronauts to Earth are included only in crew missions. With the Crew-10 mission scheduled to dock shortly, the Crew-9 mission's astronauts will finally complete their remarkable journey, bringing an end to their extended period in space.


How NASA ensures Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s safe return to Earth


Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Nilesh M. Desai, recently explained the crucial role of NASA’s crew missions to the International Space Station (ISS). These missions are sent every six months as part of NASA's program to ensure smooth operations aboard the ISS. While NASA regularly dispatches cargo missions to deliver supplies, they do not include provisions for bringing astronauts back to Earth. In contrast, only crew missions are equipped to safely return astronauts after their extended missions.
Desai emphasized, “Crew missions are sent every 6 months under NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) program. So, the 10th crew mission has reached there now... They will return to Earth after over 9 months.�?The upcoming return will see astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore coming back after their successful stint in space, marking the end of their long journey aboard the ISS.

SAC Director outlines the process of bringing NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth


After spending more than nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are finally preparing for their long-awaited return to Earth. According to Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Nilesh M. Desai, NASA’s crew missions are sent every six months and are specifically designed to bring astronauts back to Earth. While NASA regularly sends cargo missions to the ISS to deliver supplies, these missions do not have the ability to bring astronauts back home.
Desai explained, “NASA keeps sending cargo missions regularly...but it has no provision for bringing astronauts back.�?He further clarified that the return of astronauts is only possible through crew missions, adding, “The provision is possible only in the case of a crew mission...The Crew-9 mission would return to Earth after the docking of Crew-10, and this would include Butch Wilmore & Sunita Williams.�?The docking of Crew-10 marks the end of Crew-9’s space journey and the astronauts�?return to Earth.


Also Read: Strange new radio signals from unknown space region leave scientists baffled


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TOI Science Desk

The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.

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