Pic Credit: NASA
NASA's Crew-9 mission astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore finally landed on Earth safely. The duo embarked on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2024 in Boeing Starliner spacecraft. It was planned for only eight days but took over nine months due to technical issues.
Important Facts About NASA's Crew-9 Mission
- Sunita Williams was the Commander of the ISS for the Crew-9 Mission.
- Williams was accompanied by Butch Wilmore in this mission.
- They stayed in space for 286 days.
- They orbited Earth 4,576 times and travelled 121 million miles (195 million km).
- Williams and Wilmore conducted 900 hours of Scientific Research.
- They performed 150 scientific experiments.
- Sunita Williams created a record of 62 hours and nine minutes of spacewalks.
- SpaceX Dragon Freedom Spacecraft took back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore accompanied by Nick Hague and Aleksandr Grebyonkin to Earth.
- Astronauts embarked on a 17-hour journey back to Earth in the Dragon Freedom capsule.
- Sunita Williams became the American astronaut with second-longest combined time in space (608 days), first being Peggy Whitson (675 days).
Rescue Mission Back To Earth
Instead of four astronauts, only two astronauts, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Grebyonkin, were sent to ISS in late September with two spare seats. They were on a six-month mission, which means Williams and Wilmore had to extend their stay.
Crew Exchange
Timeline Of NASA's Crew-9 Mission
Date | Details |
June 5, 2024 | Boeing Starliner Spacecraft launched taking Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to ISS |
June 6, 2024 | Reached ISS |
July 2024 | Technical issues detected due to helium leak in the propulsion system & thruster malfunctions |
August 2024 | NASA extended the Mission |
Early September 2024 | The faulty Boeing Starliner spacecraft reached Earth empty, landed in the desert of New Mexico |
Late September 2024 | Nick Hague and Aleksandr Grebyonkin reached ISS in SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule as a part of a six-month mission |
March 17, 2025 | Crew-10 reached ISS to take over operations |
March 18, 2025 | Williams and Wilmore, along with Hague and Grebyonkin landed on Earth in SpaceX's Dragon Freedom spacecraft which splashed down off the Florida coast |
Accomplishments During This Space Mission
Service and Maintenance Of ISS
Sunita Williams 62 hours Spacewalks
900 hours of Scientific Research
The duo studied the impact of microgravity on biological systems.
Another noteworthy experiments is the study on how fluid systems respond to microgravity conditions in space.
They also tested the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) which can ensure to maintain the health of astronauts in space.The device combines resistance exercises, rowing and cycling.
They also contributed to create innovative technologies like the fuel cells and water recovery. To study how plants would respond to conditions in space, they also grew red romaine lettuce abroad the ISS.
Another crucial research pursued was on BioNutrients to study how useful bacteria can be utilised to create healthy nutrients for astronauts. The BioNutrients project could help in generation of vitamins and minerals rich diet for astronauts embarking on space journeys.
Bhagavad Gita in Space
Nutrition and Fitness
Health Hazards
Astronauts lose around one percent bone density due to microgravity every month, according to NASA.
They will go through a 45-day rehabilitation program at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Their health would be monitored and bone loss, neurological impacts, muscle atrophy, vision problems and other health issues will be taken care of.