NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Japan’s Takuya Onishi and Russia’s Kirill Peskov, are finally on their way home after months in space. Their return comes after a delay caused by a malfunction during their Boeing Starliner mission.
The astronauts had originally been sent up as part of a routine mission. However, things took an unexpected turn when the Boeing Starliner they were supposed to return in encountered propulsion issues, forcing a prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS). After months of waiting, they are now ready to return aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This marks a key moment not just for the astronauts, but for NASA’s ongoing partnership with SpaceX.
NASA will provide live coverage of the historic splashdown, and the excitement is building as the spacecraft preps for re-entry. The agency will begin its live broadcast at 10:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 17, ahead of the final steps that will bring the Crew-9 astronauts safely back to Earth. The mission, which began back in June 2024, has been marked by both technical difficulties and a remarkable display of international cooperation.
Unexpected Delays and the Starliner Issue
The astronauts’ extended stay aboard the ISS was largely a result of issues faced by Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. During a test flight intended to simulate a return trip to Earth, the Starliner suffered propulsion problems that ultimately deemed it unfit for their journey home. The malfunction led to an unexpected delay in their return to Earth, keeping the astronauts aboard the ISS for several additional months.
NASA’s quick pivot to a SpaceX solution demonstrated the agency’s adaptability and the strength of its collaboration with private industry. The astronauts were initially meant to return on Boeing’s Starliner, but with that spacecraft now grounded due to safety concerns, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule became their lifeline. This shift also underscored the growing reliance on private companies like SpaceX to help fulfill critical tasks for NASA.
During their extended stay in space, the astronauts continued conducting scientific research and maintenance work on the ISS. Their time on the station has been filled with challenges, but also significant accomplishments, further solidifying their place in space exploration history.
SpaceX Dragon’s Role in the Return
SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be the vehicle that safely carries the astronauts back to Earth. The Dragon capsule, a staple in NASA’s growing reliance on commercial partnerships, is known for its reliability and versatility. It was designed to carry both crew and cargo to the ISS and is now serving as the return vehicle for Crew-9.
Before the splashdown, the Dragon capsule will first go through a series of procedures to ensure a safe re-entry. The capsule will first close its hatch at 10:45 p.m. EDT, followed by undocking from the ISS, and then a fiery return to Earth’s atmosphere. The astronauts will experience a series of controlled burns as Dragon enters Earth’s atmosphere, ultimately slowing the capsule enough to make a safe splashdown.
This will be SpaceX’s first crewed splashdown of 2025, and it’s a reminder of the growing role private companies play in space missions. With each successful mission, SpaceX proves its capability to deliver astronauts to and from the ISS, a key goal for NASA’s Artemis program and beyond.
How to Watch the Splashdown
NASA will be streaming the return of Crew-9 live on its official website. Coverage will begin at 10:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 17, as the Dragon spacecraft begins its pre-launch procedures. For those eagerly anticipating the astronauts’ safe return, the live broadcast will offer real-time updates and footage from both the spacecraft and NASA’s ground teams.
NASA’s official live stream will be available on their website and can also be accessed through NASA’s various social media platforms, providing multiple ways for viewers around the world to tune in. The public can follow the countdown and witness the final moments of Crew-9’s mission.
For those who want to know more about the specific times and what to expect, NASA has laid out a detailed schedule on their website. You can also keep up with updates on social media, where real-time information and behind-the-scenes content will be shared.
The Bigger Picture: NASA’s Ongoing Space Exploration Efforts
The Crew-9 return is just one piece of NASA’s ongoing mission to advance space exploration. The agency’s collaborations with SpaceX and other private entities are paving the way for future missions, including the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon and beyond. The astronauts’ safe return marks a significant milestone, not just for them, but for the continued partnership between NASA and the private sector.
In addition to returning astronauts, NASA is also investing heavily in new spacecraft technologies, such as the Orion spacecraft, which is designed for deep space exploration. These efforts align with NASA’s long-term goal to create sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars.
As the space industry evolves, the Crew-9 return offers a glimpse of the future: a future where private companies, alongside government agencies, work together to ensure the safety and success of space missions. This partnership will be vital in pushing the boundaries of space exploration in the years to come.
