Long space mission impacts astronauts' health upon return
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams spent 286 days on the International Space Station. Upon their return, they admitted to struggling with the health effects of being in space. Although two months have passed, their visit to orbit still impacts their daily well-being.
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth in March after spending nine months in space. Their stay on the International Space Station lasted a full 286 days.
The American astronauts launched in June 2024 on what was planned as an eight-day mission to the International Space Station, but they ended up spending nine months there. The delay was due to malfunctions in Boeing's Starliner propulsion system, which prevented its return to Earth.
They spent 286 days in space: Discussing the health effects
When they finally returned to the "blue planet," they talked about the health effects of their orbital visit. Sunita Williams admitted that after eight months, she forgot what it was like to walk. Even while on the station, reports indicated that the health of the two astronauts was being constantly monitored. Microgravity meant that immediately after landing, Williams and Wilmore were carried on stretchers.
The prolonged stay in space affected their muscular systems, which weakened due to the reduced load. Such issues mean that astronauts sometimes have to re-learn how to walk. Commentators also noticed that the two American astronauts looked noticeably thinner.
Two months after landing, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are still dealing with changes in their bodies. According to the portal ladbible.com, the 59-year-old astronaut continues to experience back pain. "I still got a little twinge in one spot in my back after a couple of months," Williams said. She added that sleep was the biggest problem—it was only recently that she managed to return to her morning routine, which means waking up at 4:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).
They are undergoing a rehabilitation program
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are working with NASA's medical team to rebuild muscle mass, regain balance in Earth's gravity, and prevent further loss of bone mass—all issues resulting from the extended stay in space, which causes muscles to weaken.
According to Ladbible.com, after completing the two-month rehabilitation program, the astronauts appear to be almost fully recovered. However, they are still getting used to life on Earth and its gravity.
