Sunita Williams And Butch Wilmore Thanks Elon Musk And Donald Trump In A Heartfelt Video | Watch

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth after being stranded in space for over nine months. The two astronauts, who had been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, expressed deep gratitude to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump for their efforts in securing their rescue.

NASA confirmed that the long-awaited return will take place in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The astronauts, originally on a 10-day mission, were unable to return after a malfunction in their capsule's propulsion system. They will now return aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, which successfully docked with the ISS on Sunday. Joining them for the return flight are NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

The capsule is expected to splash down in the ocean near Florida at approximately 5.57 pm ET on Tuesday (2157 GMT, 3.27 am IST on March 19). Although the return was initially planned for Wednesday, it was moved forward to ensure safer weather conditions.

A statement from NASA explained, "The updated return target allows the space station crew to complete handover duties and provides operational flexibility ahead of less favourable weather conditions expected later in the week."

This mission, though part of NASA's routine crew rotation, is highly significant as it marks the end of Williams and Wilmore's extended stay in orbit. The two astronauts shared their appreciation for Musk and President Trump in a video posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In the 25-second clip, Williams said, "We are coming back before long, so don't make those plans without me. We'll be back before too long."

Wilmore added, "We have the utmost respect for Mr Musk and obviously respect and admiration for President Donald Trump. We appreciate all they do for human spaceflight and our nation."

Trump had previously commented on the astronauts' prolonged stay, blaming former President Joe Biden's administration for not bringing them back sooner. He also promised to welcome them back in person, saying, "When they come back, I'll greet them. How about that?"

As Williams and Wilmore prepare for their return, the excitement builds for their safe journey home.