After an unexpected nine-month stay in space, a pair of NASA astronauts finally returned to Earth on Tuesday, concluding a mission that captured global attention and became a political flashpoint.

After almost 10 months in space, Needham native Sunita Williams and fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore are back on Earth.

NASA official said the astronauts may undergo "vascular and cardio reconditioning" and may feel "dizzy" as their bodies readjust to Earth's gravity.