Homecoming: NASA astronauts return to Earth after 9 months trapped in space

After spending nine months in space, NASA astronauts have finally returned to Earth on a mission that tested their physical and mental endurance. The crew, who were part of a long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS), successfully landed in the ocean after a complex re-entry maneuver.

The return was marked by a series of technical challenges that delayed their return several times, leading the crew to remain in orbit longer than expected. However, the space capsule managed to descend without incident and was recovered by rescue teams in the ocean, where they were greeted by dolphins swimming near the landing zone, a moment described as "magical" by the rescue team.

The astronauts, visibly moved, declared the experience "unforgettable" and that they are eager to reunite with their families after almost a year in space. They will now undergo medical tests and a rehabilitation process to recover from the prolonged effects of weightlessness.

This return marks the end of a crucial mission for research into human permanence in space and preparation for future exploration missions beyond Earth orbit.

This is amazing. Dolphins were in the gulf to welcome the NASA astronauts home after being rescued. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/bsHPStq8rU — Brandi Churchwell (@BrandiNChurch) March 18, 2025