Know Factors Responsible for SpaceX Dragon with Sunita Williams taking 17 Hours to Return to Earth

Science: NASA's Sunita Williams and Butcher Wilmore are now safely returned to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their journey back, aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, took approximately 17 hours, triggering curiosity among space enthusiasts as to why it took this much time when Russia's Soyuz spacecraft covers the same distance in 3.5 hours.

Here's a closer look at the factors behind this stipulated time 

A Carefully Orchestrated Process
Unlike Russia's Soyuz spacecraft, which can complete a return journey in just 3.5 hours, SpaceX's Crew Dragon prioritises safety and precision, resulting in a longer descent. 

The following factors contribute to the extended duration:

• Orbital Alignment and Earth's Rotation The ISS orbits Earth at a speed of approximately 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph) at an altitude of around 420 km. 
• For a safe return, the Crew Dragon must align precisely with designated landing zones. 
• Deorbit Burn and Atmospheric Re-entry. 
• The spacecraft performs a controlled deorbit burn to adjust its trajectory toward the targeted splashdown site. 
• Unlike the Soyuz, which follows a more direct ballistic descent, Crew Dragon's descent is carefully managed to ensure a smoother ride for the crew.
• Heat and Parachute Deployment During reentry, the capsule experiences extreme heating due to atmospheric friction. 
• A gradual descent minimises stress on the spacecraft and its occupants. 
• At high altitudes, parachutes deploy to slow the descent further, ensuring a safe landing.

Other Factors Responsible for Late Splashdown

Weather and Landing Conditions SpaceX selects landing sites based on optimal weather conditions, ocean currents, and the positioning of recovery ships. If conditions at the primary landing site are unfavorable, the capsule may remain in orbit longer before initiating reentry.

ALSO READ: Exact Moment Crew 10 Arrive At ISS To Bring Stuck Astronauts Home

A Mission of Resilience
The return of Williams and Wilmore's space mission that was initially planned as a short-duration test flight for Boeing's Starliner capsule finally ended. The challenges faced by these astronauts are absolutely commendable, but their test of patience is not yet over, as they have to go through various medical tests and procedures before they are declared fit.