Welcome to theustales.com.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally coming home after spending more than nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their return journey is set for the evening of Tuesday, March 18 (GMT), bringing an end to an unexpectedly long mission.
Long-Awaited Journey Home
Williams and Wilmore will travel back to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The capsule arrived at the ISS early Sunday to facilitate their return. Along with them, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will also be returning.
Their mission was supposed to be much shorter. They initially arrived at the ISS in June 2023 on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was on its first crewed mission. However, the Starliner faced propulsion system issues, making it unsafe for their return. As a result, they had to stay in space much longer than planned.
You may Also Like:
Most Wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorist Abu Qatal Killed in Pakistan
Mumbai-Amravati Express Collides with Truck at Bodwad Station
Splashdown in Florida
NASA has confirmed that the astronauts will splash down in the ocean off the coast of Florida. The landing is scheduled for 5:57 PM ET on March 18 (3:27 AM IST on March 19). The agency moved up the return date to avoid unfavorable weather conditions expected later in the week.
Crew Rotation and New Arrivals
While Williams and Wilmore prepare to leave, the ISS has welcomed new astronauts. The SpaceX Crew-10 team, consisting of Americans Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan’s Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, arrived on Sunday. They will take over duties on the space station for the next six months.
NASA’s Live Coverage of the Return
NASA will broadcast the return mission live. Coverage will start with hatch closure preparations at 10:45 PM EDT on Monday, March 17 (8:30 AM IST, March 18). The live stream will continue until splashdown, allowing people around the world to witness the astronauts’ journey back to Earth.
Challenges of an Extended Stay
Originally, Williams and Wilmore were expected to stay in space for only a short period. However, technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner forced them to remain on the ISS. NASA had to send them extra clothing and supplies since they were not prepared for such a long stay. Despite the challenges, they continued working on scientific experiments and station maintenance.
Sunita Williams’ Accomplishments and Salary
Sunita Williams is one of NASA’s most respected astronauts. A former Navy officer, she has contributed significantly to space exploration. Her annual salary as a NASA astronaut falls under the GS-15 pay grade, estimated at around $152,258 (approximately Rs 1.26 crore per year). In addition to her salary, she receives housing allowances, auto loan benefits, and comprehensive health insurance. Her estimated net worth is around $5 million, according to reports.
Political Controversy Surrounding Their Return
The delay in their return led to political debates. Former President Donald Trump and his adviser, Elon Musk, claimed that NASA’s delay in retrieving them was politically motivated. They accused former President Joe Biden of abandoning the astronauts. However, experts dismissed these claims, calling them misleading.
Excitement for Their Return
Williams and Wilmore have remained positive throughout their extended stay. In a recent interview, Williams expressed excitement about returning to Earth and reuniting with her family and dogs.
Their journey home marks the end of a challenging yet remarkable mission. As they prepare to return, their resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to many.