NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore has finally returned to Earth after spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant personal milestone for his family and a landmark event for NASA and Boeing’s space program. His daughter, Daryn Wilmore, who gained widespread attention on TikTok for documenting her father’s prolonged stay in orbit, shared an emotional update following his safe landing on March 18, 2025.
“He’s Not Stuck in Space Anymore!” — Daryn Celebrates Her Father’s Return
In a TikTok video posted just hours before the successful splashdown of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, Daryn Wilmore shared the long-awaited news with her followers. With a mix of joy, relief, and pride, she opened her video by saying, “Hi everyone, welcome to the very final installment of ‘my dad is stuck in space,’ because he’s not anymore!”
The series has become a fan-favorite on the platform, drawing thousands of views as Daryn gave lighthearted yet heartfelt updates about her father’s extended space mission. Her ability to blend humor with genuine emotion helped bring a deeply human angle to a highly technical and scientific mission.
“It’s happening, guys. It’s finally happening,” she told her followers with visible excitement, after posting months of real-time updates from her college dorm, tracking her father’s status in orbit.
A Mission That Was Meant to Last 10 Days — Turned Into Over 9 Months
Barry “Butch” Wilmore and fellow NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams launched into space on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, marking the first-ever crewed mission of the spacecraft. The mission, officially called the Crew Flight Test (CFT), was designed to demonstrate Starliner’s ability to safely transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
Initially scheduled to last no more than 10 days, the mission quickly ran into problems that caused multiple delays in returning to Earth. According to NASA and Boeing, issues with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters and several helium leaks led engineers to postpone reentry several times for troubleshooting and safety assurance.
Timeline of Delays
- June 5, 2024: Starliner launches from Cape Canaveral.
- June 6, 2024: Docked with the ISS.
- June – October 2024: Helium leaks and thruster malfunctions are identified.
- December 2024 – February 2025: Return dates are postponed multiple times.
- March 18, 2025: Astronauts return to Earth via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule.
Due to the growing list of technical challenges and a high priority on crew safety, NASA decided not to risk a return aboard the Starliner. Instead, Wilmore and Williams were integrated into the SpaceX Crew-9 return mission alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who had also been aboard the ISS since September 2024.
The four astronauts splashed down safely off the coast of Florida around 6:00 PM local time on March 18, 2025.
Quiet Family Celebration, Favorite Desserts, and Bonding Plans
Though the Wilmore family did not plan a grand welcome home party, Daryn revealed in her TikTok that they would be marking the occasion in a more intimate way. She shared that the family might gather at her uncle’s house for a small get-together with close friends and relatives.
“I’m making him his favorite dessert, which is pecan pie,” she added with a smile, sharing her excitement about finally spending quality time with her dad again.
Daryn also revealed she made a checklist of her father’s favorite activities and things they used to do together. From playing board games and watching old movies to going on walks and revisiting favorite family restaurants, she plans to complete as many of these as possible before returning to college.
Health Checks and Reacclimation to Life on Earth
Although Wilmore is now safely back on Earth, his return is only the beginning of another important phase — reacclimation and medical observation. According to NASA’s human research protocols, astronauts returning from long-duration spaceflights undergo several physiological and psychological assessments. This includes monitoring muscle strength, bone density, cardiovascular health, balance, and even emotional well-being.
Daryn acknowledged this in her TikTok post, saying:
“He’s still technically part of the experiment of human spaceflight. It’s going to take some time for him to get reacclimated to gravity.”
Spending nearly 270 days in microgravity can significantly impact the body. Previous studies by NASA have shown that prolonged weightlessness leads to muscle atrophy, fluid redistribution, vision changes, and weakened bones, all of which require weeks or months of recovery.
A Record-Setting Journey and Technological Leap
Barry Wilmore’s stay marks one of the longest missions ever conducted by a NASA astronaut aboard the ISS. His endurance and adaptability became a living example of what human beings can tolerate during extended stays in space, a subject of particular importance as NASA continues to prepare for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars under the Artemis program.
The mission also plays a critical role in the future of commercial space travel. Despite setbacks, the Starliner capsule successfully completed its initial crewed test, providing engineers with invaluable data that will help Boeing refine the spacecraft for future missions. NASA is working with Boeing to resolve all technical problems before certifying the Starliner for routine astronaut transport.
Strong Faith and Community Support
During his time in space, Wilmore remained closely connected with his community and faith. As a devoted member of Providence Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, he frequently tuned into livestreamed sermons and even sent messages of encouragement back to his fellow congregants.
Pastor Wes Pratt, who leads the congregation, shared that the astronaut’s strong Christian faith helped sustain him during the mission’s extended duration.
The church celebrated his return with prayers and songs of gratitude, emphasizing how proud the community was of Wilmore’s resilience and contributions to science.
A Daughter’s Pride, A Family’s Joy — And a Potential Movie?
Daryn signed off her final TikTok video with a heartfelt message:
“I’m so proud of my dad, and I love him so much.”
She ended with a lighthearted suggestion aimed at Hollywood:
“I think a movie should happen.”
Given the unique blend of space exploration, family bonds, and personal storytelling that captured public interest, her pitch isn’t far-fetched. The narrative of a father stuck in space, supported by his daughter on Earth who brings joy to millions with relatable, comedic updates, could easily inspire a screenplay in the future.
Barry “Butch” Wilmore’s return home is not just the end of a long and unexpected journey — it’s a testament to human perseverance, the power of family, and the future of space exploration. His daughter’s openness and storytelling turned a complex space mission into a relatable and heartwarming tale, inspiring many who followed along on social media.
As NASA and Boeing prepare for the next steps in making commercial spaceflight safer and more reliable, stories like this one remind us of the personal impact behind every mission — and the families who support those who reach for the stars.
