After spending nine months in space, astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams have finally returned to Earth. Their journey back took place on Tuesday, March 18, bringing an end to a much longer mission than originally planned.
Wilmore and Williams first traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024. They were expected to complete their mission and return to Earth within eight days. However, due to several complications, their stay was extended to an unexpected nine months.
When they finally made it back, they arrived on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. As soon as they landed, they were carried away on stretchers, unable to walk immediately after such a long time in microgravity.
Spending so long in space takes a toll on the human body. Wilmore and Williams will now have to adjust to normal life on Earth, including changes in gravity, breathing fresh air, and undergoing medical tests at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
One of the biggest challenges is the physical toll space travel takes on astronauts. Experts have pointed out that Wilmore and Williams appear to have lost significant weight during their extended stay. While this is common, there are also other health concerns to consider.
Some scientists warn about a condition known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). This happens due to pressure changes in space, which cause fluids to build up in the head and affect the eyes. Though most astronauts recover after returning to Earth, NASA has found that in some cases, these changes can be permanent.
Another issue is muscle loss caused by the absence of gravity. Without regular resistance exercise, astronauts’ muscles weaken over time, making it difficult for them to support their own body weight after returning to Earth. This is one reason why Wilmore and Williams were taken out of their spacecraft on stretchers.
Lastly, experts have noted that astronauts experience fluid shifts in space, which can lead to puffiness in the face. This condition, known as Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT), is another challenge they will face as they recover.
Despite these challenges, Wilmore and Williams are now safely back on Earth, where they will receive the care needed to help them adjust after their record-long stay in space.