NASA to Provide Live Coverage of SpaceX Crew-9 Return from the International Space Station

NASA is set to broadcast the SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), starting with the Dragon spacecraft hatch closure at 10:45 PM EDT on March 17, 2025. Live coverage will be available on NASA+, providing real-time updates on undocking, deorbit burn, splashdown, and the post-mission media conference.

Crew-9 Return Mission & Weather Assessment

NASA and SpaceX conducted a weather and splashdown conditions review on Sunday, determining that March 18, 2025, offers favorable conditions for an early return. This updated schedule ensures that the Crew-9 astronauts can complete time-sensitive research and operational tasks before departure while maintaining flexibility in case of weather changes.

Crew-9 Astronauts on Board the ISS

The current Crew-9 members conducting scientific research on the ISS include:
???? NASA Astronauts: Suni Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore
???? Roscosmos Cosmonaut: Aleksandr Gorbunov

These astronauts are finalizing critical research projects before their return to Earth.

Live NASA+ Coverage Schedule for SpaceX Crew-9 Return (All Times EDT)

???? Monday, March 17
???? 10:45 PM – NASA+ live coverage begins for Dragon spacecraft hatch closure

???? Tuesday, March 18
???? 12:45 AM – NASA+ coverage resumes for undocking procedures
???? 1:05 AM – Undocking from ISS (Audio-only coverage follows until re-entry operations begin.)
???? 4:45 PM – NASA+ resumes live coverage ahead of deorbit burn
???? 5:11 PM – Deorbit burn (approximate time)
???? 5:57 PM – Estimated splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean
???? 7:30 PM – Return-to-Earth media briefing featuring NASA & SpaceX officials

NASA & SpaceX Crew-9 Mission Updates

During the descent, NASA and SpaceX mission teams will track:
✅ Dragon spacecraft undocking and trajectory
✅ Real-time monitoring of the vehicle’s external temperature
✅ Recovery team positioning for splashdown operations
✅ Final splashdown location confirmation based on weather conditions

For live updates, mission details, and commercial crew program insights, visit: NASA Commercial Crew Blog.

NASA Crew-9 Post-Mission Press Conference & Media Access

The Return-to-Earth media briefing will feature key NASA and SpaceX officials, including:
  Joel Montalbano – Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate
  Steve Stich – Manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
  Bill Spetch – Operations Integration Manager, NASA’s ISS Program
  Sarah Walker – Director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

???? U.S.-based journalists wishing to attend in person must contact NASA’s Johnson Space Center newsroom at 281-483-5111 or email jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov before 1 PM EDT on March 18.

???? International reporters can participate via phone by reaching out before 3 PM EDT on March 18. More details on NASA’s media credentialing policy can be found here.

 Watch Live on NASA+ & Social Media
Stay tuned for real-time coverage across multiple platforms, including NASA TV, NASA+, and social media channels. Access the live stream and official updates at: NASA Live.

 Follow NASA & SpaceX for more updates on Crew-9 and future space missions!

For press inquiries, contact:
  NASA Headquarters, Washington – Joshua Finch / Jimi Russell (202-358-1100)
  Johnson Space Center, Houston – Kenna Pell / Sandra Jones (281-483-5111)
  Kennedy Space Center, Florida – Steve Siceloff / Stephanie Plucinsky (321-867-2468)