NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 has returned to Earth after a groundbreaking mission that marked a significant milestone in the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) program. The crew, consisting of astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down safely on March 18, 2025.
During their long-duration mission, the crew conducted over 150 unique experiments and logged over 900 hours of research. Their work focused on studying plant growth and development, testing stem cell technology for patient care on Earth, and examining how spaceflight affects materials. The crew also engaged in two spacewalks, removed an antenna assembly from the station’s truss, and installed patches to cover damaged areas of light filters on an X-ray telescope.
Williams now holds the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, with 62 hours and 6 minutes under her belt. The crew also supported a student-led genetic experiment and engaged in 30 ham radio events with students around the world.
The mission was a success despite some unexpected challenges, including technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft. However, both Wilmore and Williams expressed their enthusiasm for the experience, with Wilmore stating that he would “get on it in a heartbeat” if given the opportunity again.
After returning to Earth, the crew received a warm welcome from family, colleagues, and fellow astronauts at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field. The mission marks the beginning of a new era of space exploration driven by innovation, perseverance, and the unyielding dream of reaching beyond the stars.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/johnson/back-to-earth-forward-to-the-future-nasas-spacex-crew-9-returns