How Sunita Williams is Preparing to Return to Earth After Being Stranded in Space for Months

International Space Station Commander Sunita Williams and spacecraft engineer Butch Wilmore are preparing for their return to Earth in February 2025, alongside SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov. The team will make the journey aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft.

Suit Trials and Emergency Readiness

As part of their preparation, Williams and Wilmore recently tried on SpaceX Intravehicular Activity suits for the first time, according to NASA. The astronauts conducted audio tests and seat-fit checks inside the Dragon spacecraft while wearing their suits. They also practiced emergency drills aboard the Dragon, docked to the space station's Harmony module.

Technical Readiness for Crew-9 Dragon

NASA confirmed that the Crew-9 Dragon has undergone comprehensive technical and security checks to ensure it is ready for the return journey. In a recent statement, NASA announced, "With the checks completed, the Crew-9 Dragon is almost ready to begin its return journey as soon as possible."

Crew-8 Set to Return

The SpaceX Crew-8 spacecraft, currently serving as an emergency return vehicle for Williams and Wilmore, is nearing the end of its mission. NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin are scheduled to return to Earth within a week, depending on weather conditions in splashdown zones off Florida’s coast.

Replacement Spacecraft for Williams and Wilmore

Previously, Williams and Wilmore were stranded in space due to technical issues with their original return vehicle. NASA launched an alternative spacecraft, the SpaceX Dragon Freedom, to facilitate their return. The Crew-9 Dragon will now serve as the emergency return spacecraft for Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov.