After 9 Months in Space, Sunita Williams and Crew-9 Astronauts Take Their First Breath of Earthly Air Upon Returning

NASA Crew-9 astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov inhaled Earth's atmosphere for the first time in more than nine months on Wednesday following the successful splashdown of SpaceX's Dragon capsule.

As per standard procedure, the astronauts exited the capsule on stretchers, according to CNN. This measure is routinely implemented by SpaceX for all astronauts returning from extended space missions.

Previously, a technician washed the Crew Dragon spacecraft with fresh water to eliminate as much saltwater as possible.

"Saltwater is corrosive, and our goal is to rinse away as much of it as we can to minimize corrosion on the metal components," stated Kate Tice from SpaceX.

The side hatch of the Crew Dragon remains sealed during its orbit. Following its docking with the International Space Station, astronauts use an alternative hatch located on the top of the spacecraft to enter and exit, according to CNN.

SpaceX's recovery vessel, Megan, employed a substantial rig to hoist the capsule containing the four astronauts from the water. Crew members in the vicinity vigilantly observed the spacecraft to confirm the absence of any fuel leaks.

When the capsule descended into the waters off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, several dolphins were spotted swimming around it, greeting the astronauts upon their return. According to CNN, at least five dolphins were recorded on video circling the capsule as it floated in the water. Nearby boats played a crucial role in stabilizing the capsule and safeguarding the astronauts.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov have been in space since September 2024. In contrast, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been on their mission for a significantly longer period, having commenced their journey last June. Originally anticipated to last only a week, their mission was prolonged to over nine months due to complications with their Boeing Starliner capsule, which resulted in a delay in their return.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously remarked that US President Donald Trump had honored his commitment to bring back the "forgotten" astronauts.

"President Trump pledged to advocate for the forgotten individuals. At 5:57 PM ET tonight -- promise made, promise kept!" she stated in a message on X.