Sunita Williams returns on March 16—might be her last spaceflight
What's the story
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been in space for nearly nine months due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, are finally preparing for their return to Earth.
Their mission was extended when the Starliner capsule encountered problems that prevented a safe return.
The duo is now set to come back on March 16.
Mission transition
Crew 10's launch impacts Crew 9's return schedule
The return of Williams and Wilmore is closely tied to the launch of Crew 10, which is scheduled for March 12 at 7:48pm EDT (5:18am IST, next day).
NASA has confirmed that Crew 9 will only return after Crew 10 has been launched into space.
This sequential operation is crucial for maintaining a smooth transition at the International Space Station (ISS).
Contingency measures
Backup plans in place for Crew 10's launch
NASA has also readied itself for possible delays in Crew 10's launch.
If the March 12 launch doesn't go as planned, alternative dates are scheduled for March 13 and March 14.
If these backup launches do take place, it may further delay Crew 9's return to either March 17 or March 18.
Farewell remarks
Williams hints at possible final space mission
When asked if she was saying a final goodbye to the ISS, Williams said she was sad about possibly ending her space career.
"Oh don't remind me this might be my last flight. That's a little sad, I am trying not to think about it too much," she said.
She also hinted at leaving something behind for next crew, saying, "Maybe they have to find something... I am not going to tell you where. They'll have to just find it."
SpaceX's role
SpaceX's Crew Dragon to facilitate return
Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon, a spacecraft owned by Elon Musk's company.
This mission is part of NASA's ongoing collaboration with the private space company, which has been transporting astronauts to and from the ISS since its crew system was certified.
The spacecraft launches on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.