After an unprecedented 285-day stint on the International Space Station, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally on their way back to Earth. Originally slated for just a little over a week in space, their mission was derailed on June 6 due to thruster issues and helium leaks in the Boeing Starliner, forcing NASA to return the troubled vehicle to Earth empty.
A relief crew arrived at the ISS on Sunday, paving the way for Butch and Suni’s departure. On Tuesday, they boarded a SpaceX Crew Dragon alongside two other astronauts, kicking off a 19-hour journey home. NASA even moved up their return by a day to dodge unfavorable weather conditions later in the week.
As the Crew Dragon speeds through space, anticipation builds both at mission control and among space enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s hoping for a smooth and safe landing—get home safe, Crew Dragon!
