After months of groundbreaking research, exploration, and teamwork aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 has safely returned to Earth. On March 18, 2025, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, completed their mission with a spectacular splashdown near Tallahassee, Florida, as a pod of dolphins circled their Dragon spacecraft.
During their mission, Williams and Wilmore made history by becoming the first humans to fly aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT). This significant test flight launched on June 5, 2024, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The CFT marked Boeing's inaugural crewed flight, showcasing the company's advancements in space technology.
Hague and Gorbunov launched to the ISS on September 28, 2024, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Throughout their extended mission, the crew conducted over 150 unique experiments and logged more than 900 hours of research aboard the orbiting laboratory. Their vital work included studies on plant growth, testing stem cell technology for patient care on Earth, and examining how spaceflight affects materials, all of which are crucial for future deep space missions.
As they welcomed the new year, the crew engaged in two spacewalks, which involved various tasks such as removing an antenna assembly from the ISS's truss, collecting microbial samples from the station's exterior for analysis, and installing patches to cover damaged areas of light filters on an X-ray telescope. Williams set a new record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, placing her fourth among the most experienced spacewalkers in history.
While in orbit, the crew also reached out to the next generation through 30 ham radio events with students worldwide and supported a student-led genetic experiment. This engagement is crucial in inspiring young minds about the possibilities of space exploration.
During the CFT, Williams and Wilmore commanded the Starliner, participating in in-flight testing and gaining hands-on experience in space. They evaluated essential systems such as maneuvering, docking, and emergency protocols. Wilmore reflected on the mission, stating, “We’ve learned a lot about systems integrated testing that will pay benefits going forward and lay the groundwork for future missions.” Following the successful test flight, NASA and Boeing continue to work on crew certification for the CST-100 Starliner system.
Despite facing challenges, including technical issues with the Starliner that extended their mission, both Wilmore and Williams expressed their willingness to repeat the experience. Wilmore stated, “I’d get on it in a heartbeat,” showcasing their commitment to the advancement of space exploration.
Upon their return, the crew received a warm welcome from family, colleagues, and fellow astronauts at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field. Johnson Acting Director Steve Koerner praised their dedication and resilience. Williams shared an emotional embrace with astronaut Zena Cardman, who had been originally assigned to Crew-9 but was later adjusted to support the mission in other capacities. This situation highlighted the importance of teamwork and flexibility in human spaceflight.
Both Williams and Wilmore brought decades of experience to their mission. Wilmore, a retired U.S. Navy captain and veteran fighter pilot, has spent a total of 464 days in space across three flights. Beyond his NASA career, he serves as a pastor and engages in community projects. He encourages the next generation with a message of perseverance: “Strap on your work hat and let’s go at it!”
Williams, a pioneer in her own right, is a helicopter pilot and was the first individual to run the Boston Marathon in space—once in 2007 and again during her time aboard the ISS in 2025. Hailing from Needham, Massachusetts, she embodies a spirit of adventure and service, emphasizing, “There are no limits.”
Hague, a Kansas native and U.S. Space Force colonel, has logged 374 days in space over three missions. He has highlighted the collaborative nature of space missions, stating, “When we’re up there operating in space, it’s focused strictly on mission.”
For Williams, Wilmore, Hague, Gorbunov, and their dedicated support team, Crew-9 signifies the dawn of a new era in space exploration—one driven by innovation, perseverance, and the collective dream of reaching beyond the stars. Their journey not only advances scientific knowledge but also inspires future generations to pursue careers in space and science.
