Astronauts Splash Down After Starliner Delays

Four-person crew safely returns to Earth via SpaceX capsule.

Four astronauts have successfully returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean five months after their journey to the International Space Station. Their voyage was intended to replace test pilots from Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

SpaceX Capsule Completes Mission

The SpaceX capsule made its landing off the Southern California coast just one day after departing the orbiting laboratory. Mission control welcomed the crew home, marking a significant return for the agency.

The returning crew includes NASA’s **Anne McClain** and **Nichole Ayers**, Japan’s **Takuya Onishi**, and Russia’s **Kirill Peskov**. They were launched in March to replace two NASA astronauts who were part of Boeing’s Starliner demonstration mission.

Boeing’s Starliner Glitches Extend Stay

Malfunctions with Boeing’s Starliner capsule kept astronauts **Butch Wilmore** and **Suni Williams** aboard the space station for over nine months, far exceeding their planned one-week stay. NASA ultimately decided to send the Boeing capsule back to Earth empty and transferred **Wilmore** and **Williams** to a SpaceX craft.

The two astronauts departed the station shortly after **McClain** and her crew arrived to take over their duties. **Mr Wilmore** has since retired from NASA.

Reflections from Orbit

Before leaving the space station, **Ms McClain** acknowledged the challenging global circumstances, stating, We want this mission, our mission, to be a reminder of what people can do when we work together, when we explore together.

Upon their return, **Ms McClain** expressed anticipation for simple comforts, looking forward to doing nothing for a couple of days in Houston. Her crewmates also eagerly awaited hot showers and juicy burgers.

Historic Pacific Return

This splashdown marks SpaceX’s third successful Pacific return with astronauts aboard, and notably, the first for a NASA crew in 50 years. The company relocated capsule returns from Florida to California earlier this year to enhance safety by reducing the risk of falling debris over populated areas.

The most recent Pacific homecoming for NASA astronauts occurred during the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission, a joint endeavor with the Soviets. This recent mission highlights a continued tradition of international cooperation in space exploration. In 2023, the U.S. space industry saw a significant boost with SpaceX’s launch of 96 distinct space missions, demonstrating robust activity in the sector (SpaceX).