NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally returned to Earth after spending nine months in space—far longer than their originally planned eight-day mission. Their journey was extended due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was deemed unsafe for their return. Instead, they hitched a ride back aboard a SpaceX capsule, which made a smooth splashdown off the coast of Florida.

During their prolonged stay on the International Space Station, the astronauts carried out crucial experiments and spacewalks, with Suni Williams setting a record for the most hours spent outside the ISS by a woman. Despite missing family celebrations and holidays, they embraced their extended mission, even celebrating Christmas in space. Now back on Earth, they will undergo medical evaluations and a rehabilitation program at NASA's Johnson Space Center to readjust to gravity after their long-duration spaceflight.

Wilmore and Williams expressed excitement about reuniting with their families, enjoying fresh air, and even jumping into the ocean. Their resilience and adaptability have been praised by NASA officials, who also commended SpaceX for successfully bringing them home.