After spending nearly nine months on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally preparing to return home. Their mission, which initially lasted eight days, was extended due to technical issues with the spacecraft that transported them to the station.

The duo is traveling back to Earth on a SpaceX capsule, accompanied by fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. They are expected to undock from the ISS at 0505 GMT on Tuesday and splash down off the coast of Florida later that day at approximately 2157 GMT. However, weather conditions could influence their landing time.

This will mark the conclusion of a remarkable mission that has captivated audiences worldwide, although the final moments of their journey may prove challenging. The SpaceX Dragon capsule will undergo a rapid and heated re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, where it will face extreme temperatures reaching up to 1600 degrees Celsius. As the capsule slows down, the astronauts will experience significant g-forces, about four times that of Earth's gravity, before four parachutes deploy to ensure a gentle ocean landing.

Helen Sharman, the UK's first astronaut, commented on the thrill of returning to Earth, saying, "They're experienced astronauts but they will feel fantastic to be back on Earth. The fresh air is the first thing that gets you."

Wilmore and Williams embarked on their mission in June 2024, as part of the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Unfortunately, technical problems arose during their voyage, leading to their extended stay on the ISS. Starliner ultimately returned to Earth in September without crew members, prompting NASA to arrange a SpaceX flight for Wilmore and Williams' return, which involved re-adjusting schedules and mission plans.

Throughout their extended stay, Wilmore and Williams conducted numerous experiments and spacewalks, with Williams setting a record for the most hours a female astronaut has spent outside the ISS. Despite being described as "stranded," they affirmed their preparedness and adaptability, noting there had always been options for safe return from the station in case of emergencies.

Wilmore expressed that they were well-prepared for the extended duration, stating, "We came up prepared to stay long, even though we plan to stay short." Suni shared her reflections on the unique experiences gained from living in space, emphasizing the need to carry that inspiration into her life on Earth.

The mission also garnered media attention when SpaceX CEO Elon Musk suggested political factors delayed the astronauts' return, while NASA officials clarified that decisions were based on logistical considerations and safety. Former NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman explained that a rescue mission could have offered minimal time savings and incurred significant costs.

Following their return, Wilmore and Williams will undergo medical evaluations at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will begin the lengthy process of re-adapting to life on Earth after extended space travel. The physical toll of such missions—which can result in muscle loss and changes in vision and circulation—requires a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Both astronauts have expressed excitement to reconnect with their families and experience the simple joys of life back home, such as feeling the sun on their faces and enjoying the company of their pets.