CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – After an intricate process of releasing 12 hooks securing it to the International Space Station’s Harmony module, the Dragon Freedom spacecraft embarked on its journey back to Earth. The spacecraft detached from the ISS around 1:05 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a 17-hour trip for the four members of the Crew-9 mission. The crew, consisting of NASA astronaut Nick Hague, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, and NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, formed an unusual blend of two missions converging into one mission.
As the Dragon Freedom spacecraft slowly drifted away from the orbiting outpost, Commander Nick Hague expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reside in space, work on the mission, and collaborate with a diverse team for the betterment of humanity. The crew bid farewell to their colleagues on the station, confident in the capable hands that remain behind to continue the station’s operations and accomplishments.
Hague and Gorbunov, who launched to the ISS in September 2024, completed a total of 171 days in space before their return journey to Earth. On the other hand, Williams and Wilmore, who initially arrived at the space station aboard the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, concluded their mission with 286 days in space. The decision to merge the Crew-9 and Crew Flight Test missions was made by NASA leadership due to uncertainties with the Starliner’s propulsion system.
Before Dragon Freedom’s departure, makeshift seats were created inside Dragon Endeavour to ensure a safe return for Williams and Wilmore in case of an emergency. This precaution was taken as the Crew Flight Test mission faced delays and uncertainties, prompting changes in crew arrangements and launch schedules. Despite these challenges, Crew-9 successfully completed their handover with Crew-10 and departed from the ISS to return to Earth.
Looking ahead, SpaceX is gearing up for the next missions, including the free-flying polar orbit mission called Fram2, which will involve commercial astronauts joining the crew for a unique space exploration experience. The collaborative efforts between NASA and SpaceX continue to pave the way for innovative space missions and advancements in human spaceflight technology.