In a dramatic re-entry, their SpaceX capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida after a 17-hour journey home. Excitement was evident as the craft was surrounded by dolphins, and upon retrieval, the astronauts were seen smiling and waving as they exited the capsule. Crewmates included fellow astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, shared the team's positive condition during a news conference, marking the end of a mission that initially aimed to last only a week. Joel Montalbano, with NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, hailed the safe return and commended SpaceX's partnership.
The extended mission stemmed from critical issues with the spacecraft they originally used, which had to be replaced by another SpaceX capsule scheduled for a six-month mission. Despite the longer-than-expected stay, Butch and Suni adapted well, engaging in various experiments and spacewalks during their time aboard the ISS. Noteworthy was Suni's record-setting hours spent outside the station.
Helen Sharman, the UK's first astronaut, expressed happiness for the returning astronauts, emphasizing the joys of reconnecting with loved ones during the holiday season. Their arrival back on Earth marks a significant change, as they face the physical transition back to gravity after spending so long in a zero-gravity environment.
The astronauts are en route to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where medical teams will ensure their health and safety after the rigors of space. Long missions often result in challenges such as muscle loss and altered blood circulation, necessitating stringent exercise regimens for recovery.
In previous onboard interviews, both Butch and Suni revealed their eagerness to return home, looking forward to familial connections and the simple pleasures of life on Earth, like seeing their pets and enjoying the ocean. As they transition back to Earth, these astronauts remind us of the profound experiences and challenges faced in the quest for space exploration.
NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, shared the team's positive condition during a news conference, marking the end of a mission that initially aimed to last only a week. Joel Montalbano, with NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate, hailed the safe return and commended SpaceX's partnership.
The extended mission stemmed from critical issues with the spacecraft they originally used, which had to be replaced by another SpaceX capsule scheduled for a six-month mission. Despite the longer-than-expected stay, Butch and Suni adapted well, engaging in various experiments and spacewalks during their time aboard the ISS. Noteworthy was Suni's record-setting hours spent outside the station.
Helen Sharman, the UK's first astronaut, expressed happiness for the returning astronauts, emphasizing the joys of reconnecting with loved ones during the holiday season. Their arrival back on Earth marks a significant change, as they face the physical transition back to gravity after spending so long in a zero-gravity environment.
The astronauts are en route to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where medical teams will ensure their health and safety after the rigors of space. Long missions often result in challenges such as muscle loss and altered blood circulation, necessitating stringent exercise regimens for recovery.
In previous onboard interviews, both Butch and Suni revealed their eagerness to return home, looking forward to familial connections and the simple pleasures of life on Earth, like seeing their pets and enjoying the ocean. As they transition back to Earth, these astronauts remind us of the profound experiences and challenges faced in the quest for space exploration.
