Why Sunita Williams' Family Is Worried About Her Return Journey And The Challenges of Touchdown

Ahmedabad: After over nine gruelling months in space, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are finally set to return to Earth, bringing immense relief and joy to Williams' family. The family of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is also growing anxious as she prepares to embark on her journey back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). Indian-origin astronaut, Williams has been aboard the International Space Station for the last 9 months and her return voyage is expected to be a complex and challenging one. Her cousin in Gujarat ’s Ahmedabad stated that while they are happy that she is returning after such a long stay in space, they will take a sigh of relief only after she touches the Earth safely.

According to her cousin, Dinesh Rawal, the family is worried about the potential risks associated with Williams' re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. "We are worried about her fly back and the potential challenges she may face during touchdown," Rawal revealed in a recent statement, saying, "The journey back to Earth is always fraught with danger, and we can't help but feel anxious about Sunita's safety."

Notably, Rawal's concerns are not unfounded, as the process of re-entering the Earth's atmosphere is a delicate and precarious one. As Williams prepares to bid farewell to the ISS and begin her journey back home, her family and loved ones can only wait with bated breath, hoping for a safe and successful return. Rawal has shared the family's emotional journey, from concerns about her safe return to celebrations of Sunita Williams' feat on the global stage.

According to Rawal, Williams was resolute in her decision to embark on this mission, driven by her desire to serve humanity. Despite facing numerous challenges during her flight, Williams remained undeterred. Rawal revealed, "She was determined to go on this mission to serve the world, and although she faced problems in her flight and other things, she did not hesitate."

The news of Williams being stuck during the space mission sent shockwaves through her family and the entire country. Rawal recounted, "The whole family was upset at the news of her being stuck during the space mission. We and the people of the village were hoping and praying for her return." As the family anxiously awaited Williams' safe return, they continued to pray for her well-being.

Now, with Williams' return assured imminent by NASA, her family, the entire village and the country are ecstatic. Rawal expressed, "We are happy that she is coming back, but we will keep praying for her well-being and will not celebrate until she returns safely." As the world welcomes Williams back to Earth, her family's relief and joy are palpable.

Also Read | Sunita Williams' Homecoming: NASA Confirms Stuck Astronauts' Return Date, Shares Splashdown Time

Sunita Williams To Return After 9 Months

Astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been stuck at the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months due to technical issues with their spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner. Initially, their mission was planned to last about seven to eight days, but it has been extended multiple times.

The Starliner spacecraft encountered several problems, including helium leaks and issues with its reaction control thrusters. As a result, NASA decided it was too risky to bring the astronauts back to Earth on the Starliner, opting instead to have them return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

According to NASA, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will travel back to Earth alongside Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The spacecraft is scheduled to make a marine splashdown on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 5:57 PM ET.

Also Read | How Much NASA is Paying Space Stranded Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore?

NASA will provide live coverage of the return mission, starting with Dragon spacecraft hatch closure preparations at 10:45 PM ET on Monday, March 17. Mission managers are targeting an earlier return opportunity based on favourable weather conditions forecasted for the evening of March 18.

Meanwhile, the experts have pointed out the complexities and challenges of human spaceflight amidst the extended stay of Williams and Wilmore at the ISS. However, Despite the delays, NASA has ensured the astronauts' safety and has worked diligently to bring them back to Earth.