WATCH: Drogue Parachutes Unfurl as Crew-9 Makes Fiery Re-Entry Into Earth in Dragon Freedom

After spending months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Grebenkin have safely returned to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom. The spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the end of Crew-9’s mission.

The capsule re-entered Earth’s atmosphere after separating from the ISS, enduring extreme heat and forces during its fiery descent. As it plunged through the atmosphere, temperatures soared to nearly 1,600°C (2,900°F) due to friction with air particles. To protect the crew, the heat shield played a crucial role in absorbing and dissipating the intense thermal energy.

In the final moments of re-entry, drogue parachutes deployed at an altitude of around 5,500 feet (1,700 meters), helping stabilize the capsule before the main parachutes unfurled, dramatically slowing its descent for a controlled splashdown. The entire sequence was broadcast live, capturing the first glimpses of Crew-9 as they prepared for landing.

Following the successful splashdown, recovery teams swiftly moved in to secure the capsule and assist the astronauts out of the spacecraft.

The mission’s completion marks another milestone for NASA and SpaceX, reinforcing the success of their partnership in commercial space travel. With Dragon Freedom now safely back on Earth, the Crew-9 astronauts will undergo medical evaluations and debriefings before reuniting with their families.

Welcome home, Nick, Sunita, Butch, and Aleks!