NASA’s SpaceX Crew9 landed near Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Mar 18, 2025
Locals along Florida's Gulf Coast were watching the skies Tuesday for the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule's landing. Authorities, including Wakulla County Sheriffs Office urged spectators to stay safe and avoid stopping on the roads
ide during the return. WATCH THE VIDEO to hear from neighbors excited to witness the eventBROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 is returning home after what was almost a 300-day experience in space. The crews original mission was set to last only a few days, but technical issues extended their stay for nearly nine months. The historic return is expected to be visible along Floridas Gulf Coast, with locals anticipating the rare sight.Its exciting to have it come this close to Tallahassee and our coast, said Chris Brown from Sopchoppy. Brown, like many residents, plans to watch the spacecrafts returnsomething that rarely happens near the Forgotten Coast.You hear about these things all over Florida, but when it comes this close, it makes you think about the space program a lot more, Brown said. I think its really important for people to continue to pay attention to it and be interested in it.Brett Surace with the Wakulla County Sheriffs Office says they are prepared for this rare event. Everybody enjoy yourself, but dont park along the sides of the roads, he advised. Make sure youre in a safe spot, and even if you hear a loud bang, you dont need to call the sheriffs office. Obviously, its probably just the sonic boom as the spacecraft returns from space.The return of Crew-9 is not just an exciting moment for the region, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of space exploration. Chris Brown hopes that this rare event will encourage others to take a deeper interest in space and consider the vital work being done in orbit to protect our planet.I think this is a great opportunity for people to learn more about space and its role in our future, Brown said.NASA's Crew-9 mission was originally planned as a short stay on the International Space Station. It became an extended journey due to technical challenges, highlighting the unpredictable nature of space travel. As the astronauts returned to Earth, their nearly nine-month experience serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation behind space exploration.For more updates on disaster recovery efforts in Mitchell County, stay tuned to ABC 27.Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.Like us on FacebookFollow us onInstagramand X. ...read more read less
