#United States #Washington, D.C. #NASA #SpaceX #Crew-9

NASA's Live Coverage of Crew-9's Return to Earth

NASA is gearing up to provide live streaming of the return of its SpaceX Crew-9 mission from the International Space Station (ISS), which will include a crucial splashdown event off the coast of Florida. The live coverage will begin on March 17, 2025, at 10:45 p.m. EDT, showcasing preparations leading up to the closure of the Dragon spacecraft hatch.

Mission Details and Timeline

As the return date approaches, mission managers are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions, opting for an earlier splashdown target on March 18, 2025. This strategic decision ensures that the ISS crew can fulfill their important handover responsibilities before returning to Earth, while also allowing for some flexibility as poor weather is anticipated later in the week.

The Crew-9 mission has seen NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, conducting a range of scientific expeditions aboard the ISS. These astronauts are tasked with bringing back time-sensitive research that is essential for ongoing studies.

Monitoring Weather Conditions

Real-time weather monitoring is critical in determining the exact timing and location of the Dragon spacecraft’s undocking and splashdown. Factors such as spacecraft readiness, recovery crew preparedness, and sea states are all pivotal in confirming the mission's success. Right now, the specific splashdown location is yet to be determined and will be shared as the events unfold.

Broadcast Specifics

For those eager to witness this historic event, NASA plans to stream the following key moments:

• - March 17, 10:45 p.m. EDT: Hatch closing coverage begins on NASA+
• - March 18, 12:45 a.m. EDT: Undocking coverage begins
• - March 18, 5:05 a.m. EDT: Undocking occurs
• - March 18, 4:45 p.m. EDT: Return coverage starts
• - March 18, 5:11 p.m. EDT: Deorbit burn (approximate time)
• - March 18, 5:57 p.m. EDT: Splashdown (approximate time)
• - March 18, 7:30 p.m. EDT: Media conference on NASA+ subsequent to the return

Media Conference Participation

Individuals interested in attending the media conference must reach out to the NASA Johnson Space Center’s newsroom by 5 p.m. on March 17. Questions from the media should be submitted at least ten minutes prior to the conference's start time. Details about the crew's experiences and the mission accomplishments will be discussed by notable representatives from NASA and SpaceX, including Joel Montalbano and Sarah Walker.

Conclusion

This live event not only marks a significant milestone for NASA but also celebrates the ongoing collaboration with private space entities like SpaceX. As the Crew-9 mission prepares for its remarkable return, millions around the globe will have the opportunity to witness this majestic moment in human space exploration. To stay updated, visit NASA's official live coverage page.