SpaceX Launches Starlink Rocket, Boeing Crew Splashdown, Expands NASA Celebration

On March 18, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral as part of its Starlink mission, while NASA's Crew-9, including astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, made a splashdown return to Earth after a nine-month mission. The Crew-9 splashdown occurred at 5:57 p.m. EDT in the Gulf of Mexico, concluding their journey and marking a transition to Crew-10, which recently arrived at the International Space Station. The launch and splashdown events showcased the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and NASA in advancing space exploration. As these events unfolded, the American Space Museum prepared for its expanded 321 Day celebrations in honor of space endeavors. This juxtaposition of launches and returns highlights the dynamic nature of current space missions and their importance in scientific research and technology development.