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简体中文After an extended nine-month mission that captured global attention, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally on their way back to Earth. Their journey, initially planned as a brief stay, evolved into a significant endeavor marked by unexpected circumstances.
Williams and Wilmore, along with NASA’s Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, bid farewell to the International Space Station (ISS) at 1:05 a.m. ET Tuesday. The four astronauts boarded a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, commencing their descent for a splashdown expected Tuesday afternoon.
The Crew-9 mission, a collaboration between NASA and SpaceX, encountered a twist when the original return vehicle for Williams and Wilmore, a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, experienced malfunctions last June. This led to the astronauts joining Hague and Gorbunov on the Crew-9 mission for their return journey.
Their return marks the end of a 286-day mission for Williams and Wilmore. While remarkable, it falls short of the record 437 days in orbit held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov.
The Crew Dragon capsule, a compact spacecraft, is designed to safely carry the crew through the perilous reentry process. As it plunges into Earth’s atmosphere at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour, the capsule’s exterior will endure temperatures soaring above 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The capsule will deploy parachutes to slow its descent, aiming for a gentle splashdown off the Florida coast. Awaiting them will be a SpaceX rescue ship, ready to retrieve the crew after their extended stay in space.
The decision to bring Williams and Wilmore back via the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule was made last summer after careful consideration of the risks associated with the Boeing Starliner. NASA opted to integrate them into the regular crew rotation, ensuring a fully staffed US-controlled section of the ISS.
Political discussions have surrounded the mission, with claims of a delayed return for “political reasons.” However, NASA officials have clarified that the decision was based on logistical and safety considerations.
Despite the extended duration, Williams and Wilmore maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing their commitment and preparedness. They actively participated in daily tasks, with Williams even serving as the space station commander and both astronauts conducting spacewalks for ISS maintenance.
Upon their return, the astronauts will undergo medical evaluations before reintegrating into life on Earth. Their experience serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of space exploration, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of the human spirit.
The successful return of Crew-9 paves the way for future missions and ongoing research aboard the International Space Station.