NASA will broadcast live coverage of SpaceX Crew-9's return from the ISS, with splashdown targeted for March 18 off Florida’s coast, pending weather conditions.
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| NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 members pose for a portrait inside the vestibule between the International Space Station and the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft. Clockwise from left are NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Image: NASA |
WASHINGTON, USA — March 17, 2025:
NASA will provide live coverage of SpaceX Crew-9’s return from the International Space Station (ISS), starting with hatch closure preparations at 10:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 17. Mission managers are targeting a splashdown off Florida’s coast on the evening of Tuesday, March 18, pending favorable weather conditions.
NASA and SpaceX officials met Sunday to evaluate weather patterns and splashdown conditions. The updated return schedule allows ISS crew members to complete handover operations while avoiding worsening weather later in the week.
Crew-9 consists of NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. After completing a long-duration science mission aboard the ISS, they will return to Earth carrying time-sensitive research.
NASA and SpaceX will continue monitoring factors such as spacecraft and recovery team readiness, sea conditions, and overall mission safety. The exact splashdown location will be confirmed closer to the scheduled return.
Live coverage of Crew-9’s return will be available on NASA+, with additional viewing options across NASA’s social media and digital platforms.