Event Details

In an exciting event set for 2:30 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 31, NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts will host a postflight news conference to delve into their extensive science mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This highly anticipated event will take place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and will provide valuable insights into their remarkable experiences in space.

Conference Speakers

The conference will feature NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, who recently returned to Earth on March 18. They will share anecdotes and findings from their mission, although Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will not be present due to his travel commitments.

Viewing Information

For those unable to attend in person, the press conference will be streamed live on NASA+, along with coverage across various social media platforms. Media representatives interested in attending or interviewing the crew should reach out to NASA's Johnson newsroom by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28.

Mission Achievements

During their mission, Hague, Williams, and Wilmore achieved an impressive 121,347,491 miles in space, spending an astounding 286 days and completing over 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on September 28, 2024, while Williams and Wilmore took off aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, as part of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test. Their return illustrates a future where access to low Earth orbit is not only safe but also efficient and affordable.

Research Undertaken

The Crew-9 members collectively executed over 900 hours of research, undertaking more than 150 unique experiments that explored diverse scientific phenomena. Key studies included investigating plant growth in microgravity, testing advancements in stem cell technology for healthcare improvements, and examining material degradation due to the harsh space environment. Their groundbreaking work even encompassed a spacewalk, where they collected critical samples from the ISS exterior, contributing to our understanding of microbial life in space.

Educational Engagements

Moreover, the trio engaged in 30 educational events via ham radio with students around the globe, fueling interest in STEM fields and inspiring the next generation of explorers.

Commercial Crew Program

NASA's Commercial Crew Program highlights a significant milestone in achieving safe, reliable transportation for astronauts to and from the ISS, alongside cultivating partnerships with private industry partners. This initiative is revolutionizing human spaceflight and paving the way for future exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit, including ambitious plans for the Moon and Mars.

Learn More

To learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and its impact on the future of space exploration, visit [NASA's official site](https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew).

Conclusion

Don't miss the chance to witness the incredible stories and science revelations from these pioneering astronauts—mark your calendars for the live news conference!