NASA to Broadcast Live Coverage of SpaceX Crew-9 Return & Splashdown
NASA will provide live coverage of the SpaceX Crew-9 return from the International Space Station (ISS), beginning with hatch closure preparations at 10:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 17.
Crew-9 Return Timeline & Weather Monitoring
- NASA and SpaceX have assessed weather and splashdown conditions off Florida's coast and are targeting an earlier return opportunity on the evening of Tuesday, March 18, based on favorable forecasts.
- The revised schedule allows ISS crew members to complete handover procedures while maintaining flexibility ahead of potential worsening weather later in the week.
Who’s Returning?
The Crew-9 astronauts completing their long-duration science mission aboard the ISS include:
- Nick Hague (NASA)
- Suni Williams (NASA)
- Butch Wilmore (NASA)
- Aleksandr Gorbunov (Roscosmos)
They will return time-sensitive research to Earth as part of their mission objectives.
Final Splashdown Preparations
Mission managers will continue monitoring weather conditions, as Dragon’s undocking depends on multiple factors, including:
- Spacecraft readiness
- Recovery team status
- Weather & sea states
NASA and SpaceX will confirm the exact splashdown location closer to the Crew-9 return. Stay tuned for live updates and coverage.
No comments: