Four astronauts prepare for their return to Earth from the International Space Station

NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission is entering its final phase. This video captures the moment the crew secures their spacecraft hatch, marking the start of their journey home from the orbiting laboratory.

The Crew-9 team consists of NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, alongside cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Following the closure of the hatch at 11:05 p.m. EDT, the group began final procedures for their departure.

The spacecraft is set to separate from the station autonomously at 1:05 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 18. NASA has scheduled live coverage of the return process throughout the day, transitioning from undocking procedures to final arrival sequences.

Source: NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Hatch Close