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Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth: the shuttle docked in the Gulf of Mexico

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom shuttle successfully ditched off Tallahassee, Florida, bringing NASA’s two astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, home after nine months on the International Space Station

After nine months spent in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the two NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom shuttle successfully docked in the Gulf of Mexico, off Tallahassee, Florida, marking the conclusion of a complex and prolonged mission.

Shortly before the ditching, NASA’s Sandra Jones described a spectacular scene: ‘There are simply breathtaking views of a calm, glass-like ocean.’ Indeed, the sea conditions facilitated the operation, allowing a smooth and safe return for the astronauts.

Now, SpaceX recovery ships are already in action to recover the capsule, which will be hoisted aboard a floating platform called the ‘dragon’s nest’, where the crew will be assisted by technicians.

The Crew-9 mission was marked by numerous challenges, including unforeseen technical problems that prolonged the astronauts’ stay in space. However, thanks to the joint efforts of NASA and SpaceX, the re-entry was successfully concluded, bringing Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore home safely.

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