After spending 285 days on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth on Tuesday aboard the Freedom capsule from SpaceX.
Their mission, originally planned to last only a week, was extended due to failures in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was supposed to bring them back in June 2024.
The Freedom capsule successfully landed in the ocean off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, at 5:57 PM EST (9:57 PM GMT), deploying its four parachutes without any issues, NASA reported.
The crew was assisted by recovery teams from SpaceX and the aforementioned agency, who, upon arrival, encountered the unexpected scene of the capsule surrounded by dolphins.
In addition to Wilmore and Williams, the Freedom also brought back astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who had traveled to the ISS in September in the same capsule with two empty seats, intended for the crew members of the failed Starliner test flight.
The technical problems of the Starliner included failures in the thrusters and helium leaks, which prevented its safe use for bringing astronauts back.
In light of this situation, NASA and Boeing decided that the spacecraft would return to Earth on its own, while Williams and Wilmore remained at the station until a new mission could pick them up.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to loss of bone and muscle mass, changes in vision, and alterations in the cardiovascular system.
However, NASA implemented a rigorous protocol of exercises and medical examinations to mitigate these effects.
The director of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Steve Stich, noted that astronauts may feel dizzy and disoriented during their first few days readjusting to Earth's gravity.
They will undergo medical examinations and rehabilitation before reuniting with their families in the coming days.
Although the nine-month delay caused logistical complications, NASA and Boeing refused to consider the situation a "rescue mission," arguing that it was part of the necessary testing for the certification of the Starliner spacecraft within NASA's commercial program.
With the successful landing of the Freedom capsule, SpaceX now plans to expand its return missions to the Pacific Ocean, in addition to Florida.
While Wilmore and Williams spent 285 days on the ISS, they are still far from the record for the longest time in a single mission for a NASA astronaut, set by Frank Rubio with 371 days between 2022 and 2023. Globally, the record is held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 days on the Mir space station between 1994 and 1995.
The successful return of the crew marks the conclusion of an unexpectedly extended mission and leaves valuable lessons for future space expeditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Return of Astronauts from the International Space Station
Why was the astronauts' mission on the International Space Station extended?
The mission was extended due to technical failures in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which was supposed to bring the astronauts back in June 2024. These issues included failures in the thrusters and helium leaks, which hindered its safe use.
How did the astronauts return to Earth?
The astronauts returned to Earth aboard SpaceX's Freedom capsule, which successfully landed in the ocean off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. The landing was carried out without any issues, deploying its four parachutes.
What effects does a prolonged stay in space have on astronauts?
A prolonged stay in space, like that experienced by astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, can lead to bone and muscle loss, vision changes, and alterations in the cardiovascular system. NASA implemented a rigorous exercise protocol and medical check-ups to mitigate these effects.
What will happen to Boeing's Starliner spacecraft after the technical failures?
The Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth on its own after technical failures prevented its use for the astronauts' return. This situation is part of the necessary testing for its certification within NASA's commercial program.
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