Sunita Williams Comes Home – World Thrilled as Astronauts Return After Extended Space Stay

After 9 months in space, completing 4577 orbits around the planet, "stranded" astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore finally returned home.

The astronaut duo's eight-day mission, which turned into an unpredictable 9-month-long ordeal, grabbed global and political attention after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft faced multiple technical issues.

The world erupted in celebrations following the successful splashdown of the Dragon spacecraft. The two astronauts came home with other Crew-9 members: Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

1.'Welcome Home': NASA

In a post, NASA welcomed back Crew-9 and highlighted their duties in space.

"Crew-9 splashed down safely in the water off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Hague, Gorbunov, Williams, and Wilmore have returned to Earth from a long-duration science expedition aboard the International Space Station."

2. 'Promise Made, Promise Kept': White House Commemorates NASA Astronaut's Rescue

The White House celebrated the astronauts' return and highlighted that US President Trump had fulfilled his promise. In a post, the White House thanked the collective efforts of SpaceX CEO Musk and NASA.

"PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT: President Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for nine months. Today, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to @ElonMusk, @SpaceX, and @NASA!"

3. Musk Congratulates SpaceX and NASA

Elon Musk congratulated the SpaceX and NASA teams in a post and thanked US President Trump for prioritizing the return of the astronauts.

"Congratulations to the @SpaceX and @NASA teams for another safe astronaut return! Thank you to @POTUS for prioritizing this mission!" Musk said.

4. Second Man to Walk on the Moon Joins Sunita Williams' Homecoming Celebrations

Dr. Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon, joined the celebrations to mark the astronauts’ homecoming and congratulated SpaceX and NASA for bringing the astronauts back.

"Congratulations to @SpaceX for bringing back @NASA Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams following their unexpected, extended mission aboard the @Space_Station!" he stated.

Aldrin added that he is proud of the astronauts for displaying poise and professionalism over the last months.

"These astronauts’ steady poise and professionalism over the last several months are to be commended. We’re glad to have you home! #AProudSalute," he added.\

Also Read: What Next for Sunita Williams? 45-Day Rehabilitation, Workout, Comfortable Clothes for Astronauts After Nine-Month Space Stay

5. Rajnath Singh Expresses Delight

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his delight at the safe return of Crew-9 members and commended Sunita Williams for rewriting history.

"Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s #Crew9 to Earth! The crew, comprising India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, has rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space."

Further, Sunita Williams was lauded by the Union Minister for her dedication and determination to inspire millions.

"Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude, and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud."

"Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely to Earth," the Defense Minister stated.

Also Read: SpaceX Founder Elon Musk's First Reaction On Crew-9 Return To Earth After Nine Months Aboard ISS

6.'Mission Accomplished': COL Anne McClain

COL Anne McClain, one of the Crew-10 members who are replacing Crew-9 on the International Space Station, expressed her thrill at the astronauts’ safe return after they shared coffee and "good mornings."

"This morning we shared coffee and 'good mornings' with Crew-9, and tonight we are absolutely thrilled to see them safely back on Earth! Mission accomplished, Crew-9!" the astronaut shared.

7. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Applauds Sunita Williams' Safe Return

Extending heartfelt congratulations, the Union Minister stated: "Heartfelt congratulations to Sunita Williams on her safe return to Earth. Her remarkable nine-month mission with @NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 showcased resilience and dedication. Her inspiring journey is a testament to courage and determination, leaving a lasting impact on millions worldwide. Welcome back to Earth, @Astro_Suni."

8. Williams' Native Village in Gujarat Bursts into Celebrations

The native village of Sunita Williams in Gujarat's Jhulasan broke into festivities after her safe return, performing aarti, offering prayers, and bursting firecrackers.

9. Inspiration to Space Enthusiasts: ISRO Hails Sunita Williams

Welcoming Sunita Williams back to Earth, the Indian Space agency, ISRO, commended her achievement by saying, "Your safe return after an extended mission aboard the ISS is a remarkable accomplishment. It is a testament to NASA, SpaceX, and the USA’s commitment to space exploration!"

The space agency expressed its eagerness to utilize her expertise in space exploration.

"Your resilience and dedication continue to inspire space enthusiasts around the world. As Secretary DoS and Chairman of ISRO, I, on behalf of my colleagues, extend warm greetings to you and wish you a great day ahead. As Bharat, under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi Ji, works toward becoming a developed country, we look forward to utilizing your expertise in space exploration."