NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts, including Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, held a news conference from the International Space Station on March 4, discussing their upcoming return to Earth. The crew contributed to hundreds of scientific experiments during their mission.
Key experiments included collecting microbes from the station's exterior, 3D printing medical devices, and examining the impact of moisture, altitude, and ultraviolet light on plant cultivation. The crew's departure will occur after the arrival of Crew-10, following a brief handover period. Mission teams will assess weather conditions at potential splashdown locations off the Florida coast before Crew-9 leaves the station.
Crew-9's mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, designed to ensure reliable access to space. This program maximizes the utilization of the ISS for research and development and supports future missions beyond low Earth orbit through collaborations with private companies for astronaut transportation.