Astronaut Health To Understanding Fire In Space — A List Of Scientific Milestones Achieved By Crew-9
NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission astronauts will return to Earth on March 18 after achieving significant advancements in scientific research and technological innovation aboard the ISS.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission are all set to return to Earth on March 18 after marking significant advancements in scientific research and technological innovation during its journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, Sunita Williams, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov dedicated over 900 hours to more than 150 unique investigations during their stay, the space agency said.
Crew-9 is expected to splash down off the coast of Florida in the early hours of March 19, according to India time.
As the mission prepares for its return to Earth, NASA shared some of the achievements from another chapter in ISS scientific research.
LIVE: @NASA_Astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov are packing up and closing the hatches as #Crew9 prepares to depart from the @Space_Station. Crew-9 is scheduled to return to Earth on Tuesday, March 18. https://t.co/TpRlvLBVU1
— NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025
Scientific Milestones From Crew-9 Mission
Plant And Microbial Research
The crew focused on several plant-related studies, including Arthrospira C, where Nick Hague explored micro-algae's potential for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and providing fresh food for long-duration missions. They also conducted Plant Habitat-07 to understand how different moisture levels affect microbial communities in plants, aiming to improve food production systems for future space journeys. Additionally, Sunita Williams worked on Rhodium Biomanufacturing 03, examining how microgravity affects biomanufacturing using engineered bacteria and yeast to produce food, pharmaceuticals, and other products in space.
Advancing Exercise And Health Monitoring
Crew-9 evaluated the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), which combines cycling, rowing, and resistance exercises to keep astronauts healthy. Nick Hague used the Bio-Monitor vest and headband to collect data on heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure during exercise, supporting studies on human health in space. Aleksandr Gorbunov conducted hearing tests to study how spaceflight affects hearing.
Understanding Water And Fire In Space
Astronaut Sunita Williams worked on the Packed Bed Reactor Experiment: Water Recovery Series (PBRE-WRS), examining the role of gravity in water filtration systems. Insights from this study could lead to improved water recovery, thermal management, and fuel cell efficiency for both space and Earth-based applications. The SOFIE-RTDFS investigation examined how flames spread in microgravity, using controlled burns of acrylic sheets under various oxygen and pressure conditions. Findings from this study will enhance fire safety measures for future deep-space missions.
Studying Microbial Contamination
During an extravehicular activity, Butch Wilmore collected microbial samples from the ISS exterior for the ISS External Microorganisms study. This research investigates whether microorganisms escape through the station’s vents and how they survive in space, aiding planetary protection efforts for future Moon and Mars missions. Sunita Williams installed an experiment to study how materials age in the harsh space environment, advancing spacecraft design.
Testing New Technologies
Crew-9 tested 3D printing of implantable medical devices in microgravity using the InSPA Auxilium Bioprinter. They launched LignoSat, a satellite developed by JAXA to test wood as a sustainable satellite material. Additionally, they worked with Astrobee robots to test technology for capturing orbiting objects, enabling satellite servicing and debris removal.
Deploying Satellites
The crew removed a small satellite deployer from an airlock on the ISS, further expanding the station's role in satellite deployment.
Earth And Space Observations
Through Crew Earth Observations, Butch Wilmore captured thousands of images of Earth, monitoring urban growth, climate change, and natural disasters from space. His imagery provides valuable long-term data on planetary transformations. The COronal Diagnostic EXperiment (CODEX) studied solar wind using a specialised solar coronagraph installed by the ISS’s robotic arm. This research improves understanding of solar radiation and its impact on spacecraft and planetary atmospheres. Nick Hague demonstrated a student-designed tool as part of the High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program.
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