NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Returns to Earth After ISS Mission, Advancing Space Research and Exploration
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission has successfully returned to Earth, completing a months-long scientific expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The four-member crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down aboard the SpaceX Dragon Freedom in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, at 5:57 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.
Following splashdown, recovery teams aboard SpaceX vessels retrieved the spacecraft and crew, who will now travel to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to reunite with their families.
“We are thrilled to have Suni, Butch, Nick, and Aleksandr home after their months-long mission conducting vital science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance aboard the International Space Station,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro.
A Mission of Scientific Discovery and Exploration
Crew-9 played a critical role in advancing NASA’s research on microgravity, human health, and space technology. During their time aboard the ISS, the astronauts contributed to over 150 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, logging more than 900 hours of research.
Among the key investigations were studies on plant growth and quality in space, as well as research into the potential of stem cell technology to address blood diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer treatments. The crew also tested lighting systems designed to regulate astronaut circadian rhythms and deployed the first wooden satellite to analyze how biodegradable materials perform in space.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Astronaut Suni Williams completed two spacewalks, including one alongside Butch Wilmore and another with Nick Hague. Their work included removing a radio frequency group antenna assembly, collecting microbial samples from the station’s exterior, and installing protective patches on an X-ray telescope. Williams now holds the record for total spacewalking time by a female astronaut, logging 62 hours and 6 minutes outside the station, making her fourth on the all-time spacewalk duration list.
A Journey Through Space: Crew-9’s Historic Mission
The Crew-9 mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, was launched in two separate phases. Hague and Gorbunov lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on September 28, 2024, docking with the forward-facing port of the Harmony module the next day. Meanwhile, Williams and Wilmorelaunched as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and an Atlas V rocket.
Originally slated to return on Starliner, NASA reconfigured its mission plan in August 2024, integrating Wilmore and Williams into Expedition 71/72 and scheduling their return with Crew-9 aboard Dragon Freedom.
Throughout their mission, the crew collectively traveled over 193 million miles, with Williams and Wilmore logging 286 days in space and 4,576 orbits around Earth, while Hague and Gorbunov completed 171 days and 2,736 orbits. This was Gorbunov’s first spaceflight, while Hague now has 374 days in space over two missions, Wilmore has logged 464 days over three missions, and Williams has amassed 608 days across three flights.
The Role of SpaceX Dragon Freedom in Crew-9’s Mission
The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft, which carried Crew-9 home, has now completed its fourth flight, having previously supported NASA’s Crew-4 mission and private spaceflights Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3. The spacecraft will be transported to SpaceX’s refurbishing facility at Cape Canaveral, where it will undergo inspection, data analysis, and preparation for future missions.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
What’s Next for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program?
Crew-9’s return marks the transition to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which launched on March 16 and has now begun another long-duration scientific expedition aboard the ISS. The Commercial Crew Program plays a pivotal role in NASA’s long-term space exploration goals, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew transportation while expanding opportunities for scientific discovery in low Earth orbit.
By utilizing commercial partnerships with SpaceX and Boeing, NASA is continuing to advance human spaceflight capabilities, paving the way for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
With each successful mission, the ISS serves as a testbed for innovation, contributing to the development of new space technologies and deep-space exploration strategies.
Looking Ahead
As Crew-9 returns home after an intensive research and exploration mission, their contributions will continue to impact future space missions, human health, and scientific advancements. Their work on stem cell research, plant growth in microgravity, and astronaut health will help prepare NASA for extended human missions beyond Earth’s orbit, supporting the agency’s Artemis program and long-term vision for Mars exploration.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
