Sunita Williams' Homecoming: SpaceX Dragon Freedom Successfully Exits Approach Ellipsoid, NASA Confirms

Washington DC: Dragon Freedom, the SpaceX spacecraft bringing back Sunita Williams and other astronauts, has successfully exited the Approach Ellipsoid (AE), as per the latest update by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 

The undocking has been completed and all eyes are on the Crew-9, comprising of four astronauts, namely, Indian-origin Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Also Read: Sunita Williams' Homecoming LIVE: SpaceX Dragon Freedom Successfully Exits Approach Ellipsoid, NASA Confirms

Sunita Williams' Homecoming: Dragon Successfully Exits Approach Ellipsoid

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has confirmed in a latest update, that the SpaceX Dragon Freedom, carrying the four NASA astronauts stranded in space for the last nine months, has successfully exited the Approach Ellipsoid. This step has come after the undocking was completed and the spacecraft had exited the keep-out sphere. This is a milestone for the Earth-bound journey of the Crew-9 mission.

What is Approach Ellipsoid? 

The Approach Ellipsoid (AE) is another imaginary shape, this time measuring 4 kilometres, and is from the same family as the keep-out sphere. It is one of the many safety zones, set up to govern visiting spacecrafts, either arriving or departing from the station.

Sunita Williams' Homecoming from Space: All You Need to Know

When and Where to Watch Live Coverage

NASA will broadcast live coverage of the entire return journey, featuring hatch closure, undocking, deorbit burn, and splashdown. You can watch the event on NASA+.

• 8:15 AM IST – Hatch closing coverage 
• 10:15 AM IST – Undocking coverage starts
• 10:35 AM IST – Undocking will take place 
• 2:15 AM IST (Wednesday, March 19) – Return coverage will start
• 2:41 AM IST – Deorbit burn
• 3:27 AM IST – Splashdown
• 5:00 AM IST – Return-to-Earth media conference

Where Will Sunita Williams Return?

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to splash down off the coast of Florida, with the precise location to be determined based on weather conditions, sea states, and the readiness of the recovery team.

About Sunita Williams' Mission at ISS

The mission, which was initially set to conclude sooner, experienced delays due to technical difficulties with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. While the two astronauts were initially planned to return on the Starliner, propulsion issues made the spacecraft unsuitable for re-entry, forcing them to remain aboard the ISS longer than expected. During this extended period, American astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov arrived on March 16, replacing them aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon.

What Did Sunita Williams Take With Her to Space

Sunita Williams has frequently shared her deep respect for Indian culture and spirituality. On her space mission aboard the Boeing Starliner last May, she brought along a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a gesture that highlights her strong cultural ties. According to media reports, she has also carried with her, a Lord Ganesha idol, continuing a tradition she has followed in previous space journeys. Her connection to Indian customs is evident throughout her career, as she has consistently carried cultural and religious symbols with her into space.