Splashdown Surprise
's mission returned to with a splashdown in the , greeted by a pod of dolphins, adding a unique touch to the astronauts' long-awaited homecoming.
The Crew-9 mission, initially planned for a much shorter duration, extended due to unexpected engine malfunctions in 's Starliner, leading to an unusual nine-month stay in space for astronauts and .
Recovery and Return
Despite the extended mission, the Crew-9 astronauts had a smooth recovery, with SpaceX's recovery team and the curious dolphins marking a memorable end to their space odyssey.
The splashdown also signified a shift in SpaceX's operational strategy, with future Dragon capsule recoveries moving to the West Coast, aiming to minimize potential hazards.