Higher scientific journalist
After an epic nine months in space, NASA Astronauti Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally getting ready to go home.
Their stay at the International Space Station (ISS) should only last for eight days, but their mission was dramatically expanded after the spacecraft to which they arrived suffered technical problems.
The couple returns to Earth to the Spacex capsule, along with Nas -‘s astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov.
It is expected to unlock with ISS at 0505 GMT (0105 EDT) on Tuesday, and then that day in 2157 GMT (1757 EDT) it will float from the Florida coast.
However, their landing time could change if the weather conditions are not good enough.
It will indicate the end of the mission that has attracted the attention of the world, however, the final stages of their journey will not be easy.
The Spacex Dragon capsule will make a quick and fiery re -entry through the Earth’s atmosphere, permanent temperatures up to 1600C.
As he quickly slows down, astronauts will feel significant G-Sile, about four times more than Earth’s gravity.
Finally, four large parachutes will be opened, allowing the craft to land slightly into the ocean.
Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, said the exciting ride would be valid.
“They are experienced astronauts, but it will feel fantastic to return to the ground. The fresh air is the first thing that gets you,” she told BBC News.
The Butch and Suni Saga began in June 2024.
They participated in the first crew of the Starlininer of the spacecraft of the spacecraft, developed by Aerospace Company Boeing.
But the capsule has suffered several technical problems during its journey to the space station, and it has been thought to be too risky to take astronauts home.
Starlininer safely returned to Earth empty in early September, but that meant that the couple needed a new ride to return.
So Nasa opted for the following foreseen flight: Spacex capsule that arrived at ISS at the end of September.
He flew with two astronauts instead of four, leaving two seats spare for Butch and Suni’s return. The only catch was that he had a planned six -month mission, and has extended the rest of the astronaut so far.
The arrival of the replacement crew on Sunday was the last step needed to return Butch and Suni – and after a short hand with a new team, their mission is now near the end.
Nasa couple accepted their longer than expected to stay in space.
They performed a series of experiments in the orbit lab and performed space panels, and Suni broke the record for a woman who spent most of the hours outside the space station.
And despite the fact that the astronauts were described as “stranded”, they were never really.
Through their mission there were always a spacecraft attached to the space station to get back – and the rest of those on board – if there was an emergency.
Speaking in the weeks before leaving, Butch Wilmore said they were not crowded when their mission was extended.
“We came ready to stay long, even though we plan to stay briefly. We do this in the human space flight. This is a program of a human space flight in your country,” he said.
Suni added that she was sad that it would probably be the last mission.
“I think only the fact that we live here, in this very unique place, gives you an incredible perspective,” she said. “I don’t want to lose that spark of inspiration when I leave, so I’ll have to fight it somehow.”
The Para Mission attracted even more publicity last month after the Spacex Executive Director Elon Musk said that astronauts remained in the universe for political reasons, and his company could bring them home before.
But NASA officers said their decisions are based on flight schedule and the needs of the space station.
Garrett Reisman, former NASA -in astronaut and former Director of Spacex Space Operations, said there are good reasons why NASA did not opt for a dedicated saving mission.
“It won’t reduce the time that Butch and Suni spent in space – I mean, you would shave a few months of rest, so the benefit was not that big,” he told BBC News.
“And the cost was high – these crew missions cost hundreds of millions of dollars … I think Butch and Suni would be the first to say” No, it’s not worth it “.
After the astronauts arrive home, they will be taken to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they will be examined by medical experts.
Long -term missions in space take a toll on the body, astronauts lose bone density and suffer muscle loss. Blood circulation is also affected and fluid shifts can also affect vision.
It may be long for the body to return to normal, so the couple will get an extensive exercise regimen while their bodies are again corresponding to life with gravity. But the first priority of Butch and Suni will see your families, friends – and pets.
Garrett Reisman was in touch with her friend Suna while she was in space.
“I had an e -mail of Suni only the other day, where she talked about the disappearing sitting on the porch in her house in Maine with dogs and smells like fresh air, feeling the sun on your face,” he told the BBC.
“The basic things are about life here on Earth you miss.”
